CHENNAI: With India trailing 0-1 and desperate to win the second test, the team will take the field with three all-rounders. Ravindra Jadeja, the team’s most experienced player, completes the trio. This shift from specialists to all-rounders has led to a reshuffle in the batting order. With Sai Sudharsan left out, Karun Nair, who batted at No.6 in the previous Test, is set to move up to No.3, while Jadeja is expected to climb one spot higher in the lineup.

Adding to the changes, Nitish Reddy is likely to come in for Shardul Thakur, while fast bowler Akash Deep is expected to replace Bumrah, who has been rested as part of workload management. Bumrah’s absence will likely weaken India’s pace attack, but the team believes the inclusion of a second spinner and two seam-bowling all-rounders could provide the depth needed on a pitch expected to offer turn.

The decision to exclude Sai Sudharsan is not a reflection of his performance, but rather a move driven by the need for better team balance. It’s a strategic choice by the team seeking to include an extra spinner without sacrificing batting depth. While the changes may disrupt the batting order and reduce pace options, India hopes their strengthened spin arsenal and all-round capabilities will help level the series.