England vs India 2018: 3 Indian players who might be axed for the second Test

Having lost the first Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, there will be a lot of questions to answer for the team management and Virat Kohli ahead of the second Test at Lord's in London starting from 9th of August.

Sans Virat Kohli, the Indian team seems to be too weak to counter the English bowling line-up. If India wants to make a comeback in the series, batsmen would have to take the responsibility and bat around Kohli which will provide him the much-needed support out there in the middle.

With Pujara being left out in the first Test, India lacked a batsman who could counter the swing and play as per the merit with minimal risks taken. Although the Indian bowling seems to be just fine, Bumrah, if fit, might find a place in the second Test.

Thus, cometh the second Test, Kohli might make some strong decisions to have a better XI on the plate. Hence, let us have a look at three players who might lose their place in the playing XI for the Lord's Test.

---

#1 Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan's performance outside of Asia has plummeted in the recent past

Shikhar Dhawan, India's first choice opener in the shorter formats of the game, hasn't been able to perform to his fullest in the whites, especially outside the Indian subcontinent.

Dhawan's performance outside of Asia has plummeted in the recent past. With his erratic technique against off-stump lines, Dhawan has extensively struggled against swing, especially the one that leaves the batsman.

Moreover, his form in the first Test has raised a lot of questions amidst the Indian team management. Thus, come the second Test, India might sideline Dhawan from the opening slot which might call for a stringent decision from the Indian captain, Virat Kohli.

Besides, with KL Rahul in the house, Kohli might bring back Pujara in the playing XI and push Rahul up the order to open the innings with Murali Vijay. Hence, the likelihood of Dhawan's way out from the squad.

#2 Dinesh Karthik

Karthik had a bad outing in the first Test

Dinesh Karthik, the senior-most player in the squad, made a comeback to the Test arena after a gap of almost seven years. However, the match didn't go as per his script, as Karthik failed to capitalise on the chances and didn't make an impact with his batting.

Although he kept the wickets very well in the first Test, his place in the squad remains under the scanner after the horrendous outing in the first Test.

Karthik managed to score only 20 runs, from his two innings, which calls for very mediocre performance from the veteran Indian batsman.

Moreover, considering Kohli's brave decisions in the past, Pant might get the cut into the squad in place of Karthik.

Although this seems to be too early in the series, his eminent form provides the counter-argument. Besides, Pant might prove to be an aggressor in the squad who would add value to the team with some aggressive brand of cricket.

#3 Umesh Yadav

Bumrah's return could force Virat Kohli to bench the inconsistent Umesh Yadav

Although the Indian bowling spearheads did a good job in the first Test against England, the incongruous display from Umesh Yadav will unquestionably be a matter of concern for the Indian team management ahead of the Lord's Test.

With Jasprit Bumrah in the talks for the second Test against England, Umesh Yadav might be the one who will have to let go his place in the playing XI.

The Indian team management will be fighting hard for Bumrah's fitness considering his angled-in action that could prove to be lethal for the opposition on a track like Lord's which is believed to have a considerate amount of slope that would serve the cause for Bumrah.

---

Do you think these players will be axed for the second Test match? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!