Not Arshdeep Singh, but Akash Deep likely to replace Bumrah in 2nd ENG vs IND Test

Barring Prasidh Krishna’s post-lunch spell in the fourth innings, the Indian bowling attack was once again a one-man army. Just like at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah wrestled his way to make India relevant in the opening Test against England in Leeds. However, given his workload problems, India is likely to rest him for the second Test. But who will replace him? Well, it looks like Akash Deep is at the forefront.

Akash Deep vs Arshdeep Singh for a spot

After letting Harshit Rana go from the squad, India don’t have many pace-bowling options available on the bench. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh remain the two decent options, with both providing different edges to the arsenal. While Akash Deep, despite coming on the back off an injury, offers another hit-the-deck option and can work in partnership alongside someone like Prasidh. Meanwhile, Arshdeep has previous county cricket experience and is a bona fide pacer to extract seam and swing.

As per CricBlogger report, right-armer Akash Deep is most likely to replace Bumrah instead of Arshdeep. “Akashdeep is likely to come in for Bumrah and not left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh,” read the report.

It is interesting that India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at Arshdeep’s inclusion. It has been a common sentiment to include Arshdeep’s left-arm variety in a rather underperforming Indian pace attack, which would be even more inferior when Bumrah rests. Arshdeep will surely add swing factor and can complement Mohammed Siraj. He was in fine form at IPL 2025 as well, reaching the summit clash for Punjab Kings (PBKS) with 21 wickets at a SR of 16.00 in 17 innings.

India’s bowling in Leeds