3 Changes to the Indian playing XI that can help India win the 2nd test.

India tour of England was one of the most anticipated series in the recent times. India started their campaign well winning the T20i series with a margin of 2-1. England bounced back in the ODI series winning the ODI series and retaining their No.1 spot in the ODIs.

The test series was the most anticipated one as India has never won a test series in England for 11 years. As everyone thought this series would be a cracking one, the first one turned out to be a great cracker as England won the test by 31 runs.

India, chasing a modest target of 194, failed to accomplish the task of winning the first test after most of the batsman fell early. The second test of the anticipated series will take place on 9th August at Lords.

A few surprising exclusions ahead of the first test match were also one of the main reasons for the Indian loss. Let us look at some changes to the playing XI which could help India win the second test.

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#3 Cheteshwar Pujara in for KL Rahul

India seriously missed the services of Pujara in the first Test match as they lacked a batsman who could bat through the end. KL Rahul playing at No.3 failed to reach the expectations scoring 4 and 13 in the first and second innings respectively. Rahul who had a fantastic T20 series scoring a magnificent century replaced Pujara in the playing XI.

Pujara, who is currently ranked 6th in the ICC Test ranking was in tremendous form and also has the experience playing in the county and could have helped Indian batting chase the target of 194.

Kohli overlooked Pujara despite his recent form and will be hoping to return to the playing XI for the second test match. Pujara can play the ball with the swing and could have been a valuable addition. Nevertheless, it isn't late as it is the first match of the five-match series.

#2 Kuldeep Yadav in place of Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, the pace bowler who made his Test debut against West Indies in 2011, has scalped 72 wickets in his 37 Test matches. Umesh Yadav failed to pick wickets in the middle at the right time which questions his place for the second test match.

Kuldeep Yadav performed well in the limited overs and will be aiming to do well in the Tests. India lagged a spinner who could bowl from the other end with Ashwin.

Kuldeep Yadav picked up six wickets against England in first ODI and could be a valuable pick for the second test. In the batting, Kuldeep Yadav could well block the balls. India lagged a left-handed batsman in the lower order who could tackle the left arm spin.

England batsman usually struggles against spin, and Kuldeep Yadav will be the X-Factor if picked.

#1 Rishabh Pant in place of Dinesh Karthik

It may be harsh to drop Dinesh Karthik who played just a match, but his performance was not up to the mark. Dinesh Karthik who got to play a test match after a long gap hasn't proved himself and will be a doubt for the second test match.

Rishabh Pant's inclusion may come as a surprise for many of the fans but owe to his consistent performances for India A side helped him a get a maiden call to the Test Squad. Dinesh Karthik scored 0 and 18 runs in the first and second innings respectively.

On the other side, Rishabh Pant could play at a faster pace and help lower the pressure on the Indian lower order. He could play an innings similar to that of Sam Curran. His inclusion will be a boon to the Indian side as they can promote Hardik Pandya up the order. Rishabh's recent impressive performance came against Essex in the warm-up match.