India vs England 2021: India bring in Kuldeep, Axar and Siraj, Bumrah rested

The second Test between India and England has kicked off at Chepauk and the environment is buzzing with the in-stadium fans. No doubt, India could wash off its mark what it acquired in the first Test.

With Toss favouring the Indian side, Virat Kohli chose to bat first and revealed the playing squad, where some of the changes were quite surprising

Axar Patel, who was to play the first Test, is now in the Indian squad replacing Shahbaz Nadeem. The left-arm Patel is making the debut for the Indian side.

Taking into account the cricketing commitments Team India have in the future, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested so as to manage the workload. Mohammed Siraj will play in his place.

Kuldeep Yadav comes in place of Washington Sundar.

Experts’ opinions on Team India’s changes

This is the spin combination India would have gone in with in the first test if Axar Patel had been fit. Siraj is a fine exponent of reverse swing so could be effective and to that extent, the absence of Bumrah might not be as big on this surface.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 13, 2021

Glad Fans are back in the stadium for the 2nd #IndvEng test in chennai. They are the biggest stakeholders and an integral part of our sport and I expect them to make a massive difference. Good toss to win for India and hope they make it count by scoring big in the 1st innings.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 13, 2021

Kuldeep in the playing XI no surprise, Bumrah not in the team certainly is. India taking a leaf out of England’s playbook and rotating fast bowlers. Good tactic you think? Remember, Bumrah had missed last Test in Australia because of a niggle
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 13, 2021

Happy for Kuldeep, he was the bench through the Australian series especially when youngsters making the debut and playing ahead of him but still he worked hard day and out in nets then finally getting a opportunity in the home Test series.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2021

Also read: India vs England 2021: “It is impossible to avoid it” – Kevin Pietersen speaks on India’s captaincy debate