“You might want to look at him at No.3” - Deep Dasgupta wants India to make two changes for second Test

Former Indian keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has suggested that Team India, led by Shubman Gill, make two important changes in the playing XI for the second Test against England, scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 2, at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The former keeper suggested that Gill should promote Karun Nair to the No.3 position as he can score a lot of runs at that position. He further asserted that Sai Sudharsan needs to be benched with the seam all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy taking over the No.6 position.

"In general, you don't want to make too many changes after the first game, but you have also got to think this is a very young side. It's a new captain, newish side. So you have got to get the combination right. Karun Nair has got most of his runs at No. 3. Also, he batted for India A against the England Lions at No. 3," Deep Dasgupta told Star Sports.

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

Furthermore, Deep Dasgupta wanted Kuldeep Yadav to come into the XI as the spinner is known for his attacking bowling display. Though Kuldeep doesn’t have a good record in England in Tests, he would be eyeing to turn the tables.

"Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I would love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having a top five amongst runs is that you are not too worried about contribution from your No. 8 with the bat," he said.

"So I think that would help someone like Kuldeep to play at No. 8, and not worry too much in terms of how much he is going to contribute with the bat, is what I think. So, Kuldeep for me, yes," Dasgupta concluded.

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