The Indian cricket team will be keen to stage a comeback after suffering a hefty defeat of 227-runs in the first Test against England. The hosts have lost their first home Test in four years as their 14-match unbeaten streak came to a halt. It was also Virat Kohli's fourth consecutive Test defeat as a captain. The loss has now increased pressure on him after Ajinkya Rahane led the team to a historic 2-1 Test triumph in Australia. With this, the Indian team management might make a few changes going into the second game.
A day before the start of the game, here's a look at India's probable playing XI for the 2nd Test against England.
India's top-order
Rohit Sharma is likely to keep his spot for the second Test in Chennai despite his poor performance in the first match. The opening batsman has a formidable record in home conditions and will look to return to form. Rohit has so far scored two centuries and a double hundred as an opening batsman. The senior batsman will commence the proceedings with Shubman Gill, who scored 29 and 50 in Chennai. The youngster looked prepared for a big inning but was dismissed by James Anderson. It remains to be seen if India's top order can gain momentum in the remaining matches.
India's middle-order
The Indian team management would not change their middle batting order. Cheteshwar Pujara will continue batting at three and will be followed by captain Virat Kohli. Talking about Rahane, his performance in Australia might fetch him another opportunity. Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has his spot guaranteed.
Bowlers
Considering the Chennai track is best suited for spinners, R Ashwin is assured to keep his place in the playing eleven. Ashwin might be assisted by Washington Sundar was brilliant with the bat but could not impress with the ball. Both left-arm spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Sundar leaked far too many runs. The management might have to rope in another spinner in place of Shahbaz after his disappointing performance. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will compete for the third spinner's spot. Patel, who has been eagerly waiting for his Test debut since 2014, might get the nod ahead of Kuldeep Yadav. Talking about the pace department, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah will share the new ball against England in the second Test.
Team India's probable playing XI for 2nd Test
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah