'They are scared' - Fans slam Gambhir, Gill after India makes three changes for Edgbaston Test

India’s decision to leave out ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test against England at Edgbaston has triggered massive criticism, with fans and experts questioning the logic behind the changes.

Trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, India entered the Edgbaston Test in pursuit of bouncing back. However, the announcement of the playing XI, without Bumrah and Kuldeep, led to significant attention. Skipper Shubman Gill confirmed three changes, including the addition of all-rounders Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep, dropping Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and Bumrah.

Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes called it correctly at the toss and elected to bowl first. The hosts made sure to make the most of the overcast conditions, removing KL Rahul in the morning session, thanks to Chris Woakes.

Bumrah, coming off a five-wicket haul in Leeds, was rested by the management, with Gill explaining that the decision was based on saving him for the Lord’s Test. However, many, including former coach Ravi Shastri, felt this was the wrong decision.

"This is a very important match, they've had a week off. I'm little surprised Bumrah is not playing this game. It should be taken out of the player's hand. It should be the captain and the coaching staff that should decide who should be playing the 11. This is an important game in the context of the series, he should be playing this game more than anything else. Lord’s can come later. This is the important game where you got to counter punch almost straightaway. Play this one. Make it 1-1 and then give him the option: you want to rest at Lord’s, rest at Lord’s. You think he’ll rest at Lord’s? No chance if you win this," he said on air.

Ravi Shastri shares views on Bumrah being rested in 2nd Test

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Ravi Shastri shares views on Bumrah being rested in 2nd Test

The other major point of contention was Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion. The left-arm wrist-spinner was expected to play after India’s bowling attack failed to trouble England in Leeds. Yet, Gill explained they chose Washington Sundar over Kuldeep due to his batting abilities, providing depth in the lower order after tailenders contributed just nine runs combined in the first Test. The trio of Gambhir, Gill, and the team management has received immense criticism for their selection choices.

Check out how X reacted to India's playing XI for the second Test against England at Edgbaston:

sayooj@sayo_oj

Arshdeep Singh would have made more sense as a replacement for Bumrah. Siraj, Krishna, and Akash Deep all have a similar bowling style. Arshdeep would have added the variety that India desperately needs in the bowling department.

03:10 PM · Jul 02, 2025

120

NiiVK@Niiki099

Captain Gill’s decision makes no sense, choosing ineffective Prasidh Krishna over a proven game-changer like Arshdeep Singh is a blunder.

03:38 PM · Jul 02, 2025

101

Manoj Dimri@manoj_dimri

Kuldeep Yadav & 20 wickets should be the priority for Team India not the batting depth at 8 or 9.

12:45 PM · Jul 02, 2025

67735

GUY@sportswalaguy

Kuldeep Yadav turns it both ways, still gets sidelined both ways

03:29 PM · Jul 02, 2025

171

MR . AK@anandhumanoj666

Dropping Sai Sudharsan after just one game—especially when it's a debut or a return after a long break—feels harsh. Every player deserves at least 2 to 3 consistent chances to settle in and prove themselves. A single game should never define a career. #SaiSudharsan

04:12 PM · Jul 02, 2025

10

nikki rockz@nikkirockz

Arshdeep Singh could've been better option in place of Akashdeep. I thought Kuldeep Yadav would make place in playing 11 but they picked Washington Sundar over him just because of his all-round abilities but Kuldeep is not bad too. He can also bat & already played some handy ings

04:16 PM · Jul 02, 2025

00

Aditya Saha@Adityakrsaha

Why give a Test debut to Sai Sudharsan if he was going to be dropped after 1 match?? It's not like He is injured.

03:14 PM · Jul 02, 2025

21517

Aaron Finch@AaronFinch5

What do you make of the Indian XI for this second test match? Sai Sudharsan is very stiff to miss out after only 1 test…

04:15 PM · Jul 02, 2025

1427

S.Badrinath@s_badrinath

Sai scored a crucial 30 and was involved in an important partnership in the second innings. dropping an youngster high on confidence doesn’t feel right #ENGvIND

04:24 PM · Jul 02, 2025

32118

Aaron Finch@AaronFinch5

If Bumrah was fit to play then surely you need to pick the best bowler in the world? At the very least Kuldeep has the be in the XI if you’re worried about taking 20 wickets. Yes, he might be more expensive but he’s the next best attacking option!

04:30 PM · Jul 02, 2025

42348