Watch: Punjab Kings Star Harpreet Brar Spotted Training With Team India Before 2nd Test vs England

With the first Test at Headingley completed, India now shifts focus to the second Test at Edgbaston, starting July 2. Trailing 0-1 in the series, the visitors will be looking to bounce back, but it won’t be easy they’ve never won a Test at this venue. Adding a bit of surprise to India’s practice session on Saturday was the appearance of Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar was seen bowling in the nets.

Interestingly, Brar wasn’t in the official Indian kit, suggesting he hasn’t joined the squad in any formal capacity but was just there for practice. India is already under pressure after losing the first Test by five wickets, despite a strong performance in the first innings.

In a video posted by journalist Sandipan Banerjee, Punjab spinner Harpreet Brar was seen bowling in the nets during India’s training session ahead of the second Test. He looked confident, and the Indian batters seemed focused while facing him. This led to some buzz about whether Brar might be added to the Test squad — but the answer, for now, is no. He was only brought in as a net bowler to help the team prepare for spin. With Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar already in the squad, there isn’t really a need for a fourth spinner in English conditions.

Harpreet Brar has been spotted at the Indian nets at Edgbaston today… pic.twitter.com/CIcOWZPybQ

— Sandipan Banerjee (@im_sandipan) June 28, 2025

That said, if there’s an injury during the series, Brar could be in line for a call-up. On the pace front, India also has a bit to think about. Jasprit Bumrah, who was outstanding in the first innings at Leeds with a five-wicket haul, won’t play all five Tests. He’s expected to feature in only three to manage his workload. During practice, Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna all bowled in good rhythm. However, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant didn’t take part in the session. Sai Sudharsan did have a hit in the nets, hinting he might be considered for a chance in the upcoming games.

Jadeja or Specialist Spinner? Team India Faces Selection Puzzle

The Indian team management will have a few tricky choices to make ahead of the second Test. They’ll need to think carefully about whether Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur still fit the team’s plans or if it’s time to bring in specialists who can make a bigger impact. Someone like Arshdeep Singh could add a different angle with his left-arm pace, while Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin offers variety that might come in handy.

Recent stats at Edgbaston tell a clear story — fast bowlers have been the dominant force. In the last 10 Tests at the venue, pacers have taken 230 wickets, while spinners have only picked up 59. That’s around 80% of all wickets going to the quicks and with England adding Jofra Archer to their attack, the pitch is likely to favour pace again. India already has Jadeja in the XI, but if they feel the need for another spin option, they’ve got Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar available.

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