There is Ravindra Jadeja, whose superior batting becomes a huge factor in SENA countries but against England's 'Bazballers', Kuldeep Yadav's versatility could complement pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah better if India harbour any hopes of picking 20 wickets.
The aura of home advantage -- long regarded as a hallmark of India's Test side -- seemed secure. But in barely over a year, that fortress has not just cracked, it has collapsed, raising uncomfortable questions about strategy, selection, and temperament.
India will ponder whether they want to include Washington Sundar, who is quite handy with the bat or Kuldeep Yadav, who is a much better wicket-taking option.
In all likelihood, Jasprit Bumrah could be given a break for the second Test to be played at Edgbaston from July 2 and return for the third Test, to be held at Lord's from July 10-14.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, reeling from three consecutive defeats, will face a resurgent Gujarat Titans in their fifth IPL encounter on Sunday.
India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is up and running in Beckenham, putting in the hard yards before the upcoming five high-stakes Tests against England, slated to kick off on June 20 at Headingley.
'There is a reason why wickets often fall after a change of bowling. It forces the batter to recalibrate. That variability isn't available to Shubman Gill with his current crop'
Kuldeep for Shardul could be the only change at Edgbaston as India eye parity
Was it an injury? A missed opportunity? Captain Shubman Gill has an explanation-but it's not one many are buying.
This was the first time in five years that India had put down so many chances in an innings.
The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh will get another opportunity to enhance their red-ball credentials when the final round of Duleep Trophy matches begin in Anantapur
'Mohammed Siraj and the passion of the Indian boys was too strong and ultimately they deserve to win this Test match.'
'Yeah, 100 per cent. That's a good question, and I think that's something we'll obviously reflect on after the tour, the things we could have done better.'
Shaken by the abrupt suspension of their previous match due to the India-Pakistan conflict, a struggling Delhi Capitals will look to regroup and address bowling concerns when they face table-toppers Gujarat Titans in a reverse-leg IPL clash in Delhi on Sunday to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Pandya's inclusion obviously adds firepower to batting and he can also open the bowling if necessary.
England had moved to within 35 runs of securing a famous victory over India when bad light and torrential rain ended an extraordinary fourth day of the final Test at The Oval on Sunday.
Buttler, who was seen struggling with cramps during his innings, particularly during the 15th over when he smashed Mitchell Starc for five consecutive boundaries, admitted the heat was tough to handle.
As Team India gear up for the much-anticipated Test series against England starting on Friday, several players in the squad will draw confidence from their county cricket experience.
Broken foot, unbroken in spirit: Pant gives update
Prasidh Krishna's performance hints at bare bench strength
With 288 runs at a strike rate of 225, Nicholas Pooran is the top run-getter in IPL 2025, while Mohammed Siraj has been brilliant in Powerplay overs with 10 wickets in five games.
Team India's No 3 spot, associated with resilience and consistency in tough overseas conditions, may soon have a new occupant in Sai Sudharsan.
Who do you think should be part of the Indian team for the first Test against England?
Images from Day 2 of the fifth Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Nicholas Pooran's power-hitting and Aiden Markram's calm demeanour shaped Lucknow Super Giants' comfortable six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants.
Jasprit Bumrah's incredible performance has prevented the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series from becoming completely lopsided in Australia's favour, said pace great Glenn McGrath, lauding the India spearhead for his ball-control and ability to adapt quickly.
Most of the Indian batters struggled while adjusting to the bounce which was a good feet and half more than what they are used to in India which is just above knee roll.
'Sometimes it might look wrong in the fans' eyes, but please don't twist things or create narratives that aren't even close to the truth.'
K L Rahul was on Monday named in the Karnataka squad to face table-toppers Haryana in their final league match of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Friday said star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was still recuperating from a back injury and that the team was waiting for him to be cleared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
A six-wicket haul from pacer Mukesh Kumar helped India A stay in the hunt during their first unofficial Test against Australia A at Mackay, Australia on Friday.
Brad Hogg hailed youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal and said that the best of him will be seen in the upcoming season.
India pacer Akash Deep was on Tuesday ruled out of the fourth Test against England due to a groin injury, and captain Shubman Gill said uncapped fast bowler Anshul Kamboj is close to making his debut at Old Trafford.
The BCCI has also named one inter-squad for a three-day match slated for December 20 to 22.
Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain for India's upcoming T20I series against Australia.
As India look to bounce back from the crushing defeat in the series opener against England in Leeds, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the second Test in Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on July 2, has been a hot topic of discussion.
Siraj was the day's hero and India have pulled ahead, but England are not out of the contest by any stretch of imagination.
'Going into Brisbane, India need a tight strategy for Travis Head and they need to get Akash Deep in and maybe Ravindra Jadeja for Ashwin.'
He also highlighted the team's focus on playing good cricket and improving in areas like fielding.
