Bumrah's Intensity and Kuldeep's Experimentation: Key Takeaways from India's Birmingham Nets Session

Jasprit Bumrah made an immediate impact upon entering the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets. The intensity was palpable as he began his warm-up, culminating in a full-throttle 20-minute spell.

With several key batsmen absent from Saturday's session, Bumrah focused his deliveries on Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He challenged the batters with a combination of accuracy, varied angles – around the wicket for left-handers and utilizing the crease's width for right-handers – and sheer pace. The three-day break seemed to have rejuvenated the 31-year-old, who bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The trio, who all featured in the Headingley Test, focused on training with purpose on the second day after not bowling during the team's first practice in Birmingham on Friday. Each bowler spent around thirty minutes honing their skills before practicing batting in the nets.

Siraj practiced leaves, ducks, and forward defense under the guidance of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Bumrah explored various aspects of his game, from side-arm deliveries to slow bowling and throwdowns. Despite a shaky start during his batting session, his confidence grew as the day progressed.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav continued to refine both his batting and bowling techniques. The left-arm wrist-spinner actively sought feedback from the support staff and teammates.

He is also not afraid to experiment with new angles and lengths, and Birmingham's dry conditions could increase his chances of selection for the second Test. Kuldeep has been in excellent physical condition and bowling with great rhythm since the pre-match sessions in Leeds. He engaged in a competitive battle with Gill before the first Test and continues to challenge Indian batters in Birmingham.

For the past 18 months, Kuldeep has focused intently on improving his batting, aiming to make significant contributions with the bat.

The team will take a break before regrouping on June 30. While the availability of Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep depends on Bumrah's fitness, the suspense surrounding Bumrah's participation will persist for at least another 48 hours.