Former Indian cricketer's advice to Gambhir and Co.

Sports News:  India lost to England in the first test of the newly introduced Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The hosts went on to chase 371 on the last day, leaving the visitors in shock. A young team India under the leadership of Shubman Gill fell prey to the aggressive English intent. Ben Duckett scored a fine 149, paving the way for a famous victory. The Indian bowling attack looked dull. After a five-wicket haul in the first innings, speedster Jasprit Bumrah was not at his best in the second innings.

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Deep Dasgupta has advised Team India to make a couple of changes. He said that bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy for Sai Sudarshan will be a better option. Promoting Karun Nair at no. 3 will make the space for the same. Sudarshan scored 0 and 30 in his test debut at Leeds. Another change that he suggested was slotting in the Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav at no. 8. 

Dasgupta's advice

"In general, you don't want to make too many changes after the first game, but you also have to think that this is a very young side. It's a new captain, newish side. So you have to get the combination right. Karun Nair got most of his runs at no. 3. Also, he batted at the same position for India A against the England Lions," the former wicket-keeper batter said on Star Sports.

"So you might want to look at Karun Nair at no. 3. That opens up the space for someone like Reddy at no. 6, who can give a few overs of seam if required. I will have a chat with Sai and say this is not the reflection of what happened in the first test, but this is a combination of things. So that conversation becomes very important, how you put it across Sai Sudarshan," he added.

What to expect in Birmingham

Dasgupta also believes that Birmingham generally produces batting-friendly pitches, and including Kuldeep at no. 8 can be a game changer for India. "Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I'd love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having the top five amongst runs is that you don't expect much from No. 8 with the bat," he said. The second test will begin on Wednesday, 2nd July.