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Mohammed Kaif has strongly supported Jasprit Bumrah's T20I return, dismissing fitness concerns raised during the England Test series. Kaif highlighted Bumrah's match-winning ability across formats and suggested white-ball cricket suits him better due to a manageable workload. He also expressed disappointment over Mohammed Siraj's Asia Cup exclusion, praising his form and wicket-taking ability.

Mohammad Kaif has endorsed Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma's successor in ODIs, anticipating Rohit's retirement after the 2027 World Cup. Kaif highlighted Gill's impressive run-scoring record and leadership qualities, noting his Test captaincy and T20I vice-captaincy. Gill's maturity and form, particularly during the England series, have solidified his position as a future leader, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

The 2025 Asia Cup, amidst geopolitical tensions, will be held in the UAE from September 9-28. India and Pakistan have announced their squads, but past withdrawals due to political strife cast a shadow. Pakistan pulled out in 1990-91, and India in 1986. This year, India is in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.

Following a historic Test defeat in Headingley, where India couldn't defend a massive score despite five centuries, coach Gautam Gambhir hints at potential changes for the second Test in Birmingham. While backing Bumrah and Siraj, Gambhir emphasizes the need to develop a strong pace attack and considers including Kuldeep Yadav to exploit England's weakness against spin.

India faces a daunting challenge at Edgbaston, a venue where they've never won a Test match. After a painful defeat at Headingley, where England chased down a substantial target, India is under pressure to avoid a series loss. Breaking the Edgbaston jinx, dating back to 1967, requires an extraordinary effort against a confident England team.

R Ashwin has urged coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to advise Rishabh Pant on converting centuries into double centuries. Pant scored centuries in both innings of the first Test against England, but India lost the match. Gambhir, while acknowledging the centuries, emphasized the importance of results over individual performances, highlighting the team's failure to win.