The second Test between England and India is currently underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and one of the biggest talking points has been the absence of Jasprit bumrah from India’s playing XI. The star pacer was rested by the team management, a move that caught many by surprise given the high stakes of the match. With England leading the five-match series 1-0, India made three changes in a bid to level the series.

Shubman Gill on when Jasprit Bumrah will play in the series

At the toss, Indian skipper for the game, Shubman Gillprovided clarity on Bumrah’s exclusion. He confirmed that the decision was not injury- but part of a well-thought-out workload management strategy. Gill also confirmed that Bumrah is likely to return for the third Test at Lord’s—widely regarded as a venue that offers more assistance to seamers.

“No Bumrah. Just to manage his workload. We did get a good break and this is an important match for us. But the third Test being at Lord’s, we think there’ll be more in that pitch so we’ll use him there,” said Gill at the toss.

India’s new-look attack at Edgbaston

While Bumrah was rested, India introduced three new faces into the playing XI: Akash Deep, Washington Sundarand Nitish Kumar Reddy. Akash, a promising right-arm pacer, was brought in to add freshness and pace to the bowling attack Sundar, known for his tidy off-spin and useful lower-order batting, brings balance as a spin-bowling all-rounder. Meanwhile, Nitish, another rising talent, adds depth with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

The inclusion of two all-rounders alongside a debutant fast bowler highlights India’s willingness to experiment with their combinations and adapt to the playing conditions at Edgbaston, which often favour seam and swing. It also reflects the team management’s approach to invest in youth and test bench strength in a high-pressure series.