A Strategic Shift for India
On July 2, 2025, India faced England in the 2nd Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, trailing 0-1 after a 5-wicket loss in Leeds. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for workload management, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan advocated for pacer Akash Deep as the ideal replacement, highlighting his seam and swing abilities suited for English conditions. This article details Pathan’s reasoning, Akash Deep’s credentials, and the match context, drawing from Crictoday’s report and supporting sources.
Irfan Pathan’s Case for Akash Deep
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Reasoning: Pathan, speaking to Sony Sports Network, argued that Akash Deep’s bowling style, reminiscent of Mohammed Shami, makes him a better fit than Arshdeep Singh for the Edgbaston Test. He emphasized Deep’s ability to deliver straight-seam balls, generating late movement to challenge England’s aggressive batters, particularly on a pitch offering early pace and bounce.
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Quote: “If Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place. I think he bowls like Shami… His straight seam deliveries could pose a challenge for the England batters, particularly with the late movement.”
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Contrast with Others: Pathan noted that Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna rely on a hit-the-deck approach, less effective in England’s seam-friendly conditions. Akash Deep’s focus on seam and swing offers control, critical after India’s bowlers, barring Bumrah’s 5/89, struggled in Leeds.
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Context: Pathan’s comments came amid uncertainty over Bumrah’s participation, confirmed at the toss by captain Shubman Gill, who cited workload management and a plan to use Bumrah in the 3rd Test at Lord’s, where the pitch may favor pacers more.
Akash Deep: Profile and Fit
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Background: The 28-year-old Bengal pacer has played 7 Tests, taking 15 wickets at an average of 35.20, with best figures of 3/63 against Bangladesh in 2024. His raw pace and recent form in nets, observed by Pathan, suggest readiness to lead India’s attack alongside Siraj and Krishna.
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Why He Fits: Akash Deep’s ability to exploit Edgbaston’s early seam movement aligns with India’s need to take 20 wickets, a challenge after dropping six catches and managing only 15 wickets in nearly 200 overs in Leeds. His inclusion over Arshdeep, who Pathan deferred discussing, reflects a preference for Test-specific skills.
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Role in XI: In India’s confirmed XI—Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna—Deep is expected to share new-ball duties, with Sundar and Reddy adding all-round depth.
Match Context and Team Strategy
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First Test Recap: India’s loss in Leeds exposed bowling inconsistencies, despite centuries from Gill (147), Pant (two tons), Jaiswal, and KL Rahul. England chased 371, with Bumrah’s five-for the standout effort. India’s fielding lapses and inability to sustain pressure prompted three changes: Akash Deep for Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy for Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar for Sai Sudharsan.
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Edgbaston Conditions: The pitch offers pace and bounce early, favoring England’s decision to bowl first after Ben Stokes won the toss. Spin is expected to play a role by Days 4-5 due to cracks, supporting India’s inclusion of Jadeja and Sundar. Weather forecasts indicate cloudy skies on Day 1, sunny Days 2-3, and showers on Days 4-5, influencing India’s balanced attack.
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Strategic Shift: Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate backed the changes, emphasizing batting depth to counter collapses (430/3 to 471; 333/5 to 364 in Leeds). Pathan defended the all-rounder-heavy XI, noting that Siraj, Deep, and Krishna can bowl 18 overs each, with Jadeja, Sundar, and Reddy offering defensive and wicket-taking options, challenging social media criticism of a “defensive” selection.
Criticism and Debate
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Bumrah’s Absence: Pathan, Aaron Finch, Ravi Shastri, and Stuart Broad criticized resting Bumrah, the world’s No. 1 Test bowler, arguing it disrupts team continuity. Pathan stressed that India loses Bumrah’s services and denies replacements like Deep consistent chances, impacting stability.
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Pathan’s Quote: “If you are selected in the Indian team, you cannot pick and choose… Workload management mein pick and choose karoge toh kya hoga. Abhi Akash Deep aaye.”
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Finch’s View: “If Bumrah was fit, surely you need to pick the best bowler in the world?”
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Broad’s Critique: Broad called Bumrah’s pre-series revelation of playing only three Tests “surprising,” suggesting secrecy for strategic advantage.
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Kuldeep’s Omission: Fans and experts, including Finch, questioned leaving out Kuldeep Yadav, whose wrist-spin could exploit later pitch conditions, labeling the all-rounder focus defensive. Pathan countered that four bowlers, as used by Australia, can still attack, with Deep’s inclusion strategic.
Community and Industry Reactions
Social Media Sentiment
X posts reflected polarized views. @cricketnext and @circleofcricket lauded Pathan’s endorsement of Akash Deep, citing his Shami-like style. @ARYNEWSOFFICIAL and @TheDailyPioneer confirmed Deep’s inclusion, while @SportsCulture24 cheered his opportunity. @NSE2023 highlighted all three changes, with fans debating Bumrah’s rest and Kuldeep’s exclusion, some calling it “Gambhir’s blunder.”
Industry Insights
Analysts weighed in on Deep’s role. Crictoday emphasized his seam and swing as key against England’s aggressive batting. The Indian Express quoted Pathan’s concerns about long-term planning without Bumrah and Shami. News18 and Times of India noted criticism from Shastri and Finch, while Hindustan Times highlighted Broad’s strategic critique. Mid-day and NDTV.in reinforced Pathan’s confidence in Deep’s net form, with The Hans India noting his Test record (15 wickets in 7 matches). Outlook India backed Pathan’s view of an attacking XI.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Test Future
India’s decision to rest Bumrah, despite a 7-day break, reflects a long-term workload strategy for the five-Test series, with Lord’s (July 10) expected to suit his bowling. Akash Deep’s inclusion tests India’s pace depth, crucial as Pathan urges planning for a future without Bumrah and Shami. India’s 0-8 Edgbaston record and World Test Championship stakes heighten pressure, amplified by 1.2 billion fans and a 10% rise in digital engagement via platforms like JioHotstar. Deep’s performance could shape India’s bowling blueprint, especially if he emulates Bumrah’s Leeds impact.
Akash Deep’s Moment to Shine
Irfan Pathan’s endorsement of Akash Deep as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the 2nd Test on July 2, 2025, highlights his potential to disrupt England’s batting with seam and swing. India’s three changes, including Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar, aim to address Leeds’ shortcomings, but Bumrah’s rest and Kuldeep’s omission have sparked debate. With Edgbaston’s challenging history and India’s massive fanbase watching, Deep’s performance could define India’s fightback in a crucial series. Pathan’s call for long-term planning underscores the need for bowlers like Deep to step up.
