Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Ravi Shastri have sharply criticized captain Shubman Gill’s tactical decisions, specifically his reluctance to use spinner Washington Sundar during England’s dominating batting display in the Manchester Test.
Gill’s Captaincy Under the Scanner
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back, slamming captain Shubman Gill for his delayed introduction of spinner Washington Sundar. This came as India’s pace attack struggled to contain England, who racked up a massive score beyond 500 runs on Day 3.
Led by an exceptional Joe Root, who scored a record-breaking 150, alongside half-centuries from Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope, England became the first team in four years to post a 500-plus total against India. They also made history as the first side in nine years to cross 400 runs three times in a single series against India.
Despite his frontline pacers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj – appearing out of rhythm, Gill surprisingly waited until the 70th over to hand the ball to Sundar.
Sundar’s Immediate Impact
Washington Sundar, the talented Tamil Nadu off-spinner, had previously showcased his prowess with a superb four-wicket haul in the second innings against England at Lord’s. When he finally got his chance in Manchester, he wasted no time making an impact.
Sundar quickly dismissed the well-set Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in quick succession. Blending his drift and varying lengths effectively, he finished the day as India’s most successful bowler, with figures of 2 wickets for just 57 runs in 19 overs.
Coach Morne Morkel Explains Gill’s Decision
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, later clarified in a press conference that the decision to hold back Sundar was solely Shubman Gill’s. Morkel stated that Gill chose to stick with the seam options longer, believing pace was the way forward given the conditions.
While acknowledging that India’s pace bowlers missed their lengths, Morkel praised Sundar’s performance when he finally got the opportunity to bowl.
Manjrekar Questions Leadership Support
Sanjay Manjrekar expressed strong doubts about whether head coach Gautam Gambhir, or senior players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, would have agreed with Gill’s conservative spin tactics. He wondered if Gill’s success as a batter made others hesitant to offer input.
“I can’t see everyone agreeing to this kind of move,” Manjrekar stated on ESPNcricinfo. He found it baffling that Sundar, who had just delivered a four-wicket haul in the previous Test, was introduced so late, especially with Ben Stokes visibly uncomfortable against spin.
Manjrekar concluded that it appeared Gill approaches spin “reluctantly,” and even when spinners perform, he seems “not keen to stay with them.”
Shastri’s Concern for Player Morale
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri echoed Manjrekar’s sentiments on Sky Sports, emphasizing the negative message this sends to a bowler like Washington Sundar. Shastri questioned the logic of holding back a player who took four wickets in the previous match until the 67th over.
“What does it tell that player?” Shastri remarked. “He will be like, ‘I have taken four, I should be a frontrunner bowling within the first 30 to 35 overs, and you get me on after 67.’ Tactically, I thought they (India) were found wanting.”
- Shubman Gill faced heavy criticism for delaying spinner Washington Sundar’s introduction in the Manchester Test.
- Sundar, despite being brought on late, made an immediate impact with two crucial wickets.
- Former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Ravi Shastri questioned Gill’s overall tactical decisions and the message sent to the bowler.
This tactical debate highlights the pressure on young captains to make crucial decisions under immense scrutiny, especially when faced with dominant opposition batting performances.
