IND vs ENG: Ravindra Jadeja should be picked for the 2nd Test?

Former India head coach Greg Chappell has raised questions over Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion as the team’s primary spin option for the ongoing India vs England Test series. Jadeja, who featured in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, failed to leave a mark with the ball in conditions that were expected to aid spin as the match progressed. His underwhelming performance has sparked criticism, especially given the high expectations placed on him as an experienced all-rounder. Several experts have pointed out that Jadeja could not capitalise on the rough patches outside the off-stump of left-handed batter Ben Duckett during the final innings. With the match delicately poised and England chasing a challenging target of 371, India needed their frontline spinner to break partnerships and apply pressure.

Ravindra Jadeja set to be dropped for India vs England 2nd Test?

However, Ravindra Jadeja struggled to trouble the English batters, particularly Duckett, who made full use of the scoring opportunities. His inability to generate significant turn or create wicket-taking chances in such a crucial situation drew sharp reactions from former cricketers and analysts. Chappell’s remarks reflect a broader concern regarding India’s spin strategy in overseas conditions. While Jadeja’s batting contributions remain valuable, his selection as the lead spinner in a pace-friendly setting is now under scrutiny as England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Greg Chappell has expressed strong reservations about Ravindra Jadeja’s role as a frontline spinner in English conditions. According to the former Australian cricketer and ex-India head coach, Jadeja lacks the specific skill set required to consistently trouble batters in seam- and swing-friendly environments like those found in England. While Jadeja has been highly effective in subcontinental conditions where pitches often aid spin, Chappell believes his style of bowling doesn’t generate enough variation or threat when the surface offers little assistance.

Chappell emphasized that England’s conditions demand a different kind of spinner—someone who can use flight, drift, and subtle changes in pace to unsettle batters. In his view, Jadeja’s more direct, flatter trajectory doesn't always prove effective in such situations, especially when up against a confident batting lineup like England’s. He further added that if India are to bounce back in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, they need to reassess their team composition and opt for a more balanced side that includes either a more adaptable spinner or a fourth seamer to better suit the conditions. With the series still wide open, Chappell believes India must make tactical changes to remain competitive and avoid falling further behind.

"Jadeja is not a front-line spinner in English conditions. If his batting is considered good enough, he can be a support spinner; otherwise a rethink is necessary. If India are to reverse their fortunes in this series then a better balanced team is required," former Australian captain Greg Chappell wrote in his column. 

"I don't agree that an extra batter who bowls should be selected as insurance against top-order collapses. The top six must be trusted to deliver the runs, and that the best combination to secure the requisite 20 wickets is available to the captain," he further noted. 

Greg Chappell has urged the Indian selectors to make bold decisions and place greater trust in specialist players rather than leaning too heavily on all-rounders. According to the former Australia captain and ex-India head coach, the team’s balance needs to be sharper, especially in challenging overseas conditions like England, where specialist bowlers or batters can often have a greater impact than utility players. Chappell emphasized the importance of picking players who are best suited for specific roles instead of compromising effectiveness for versatility.

As the series against England intensifies, India will be hoping to bounce back in the second Test after a disappointing loss in the opener. The much-anticipated second Test is set to begin on Wednesday, July 2, at the iconic Edgbaston ground in Birmingham. With pressure mounting and the series finely poised, all eyes will be on India’s selection choices and whether they respond to the growing call for tactical adjustments.