Shubman Gill’s captaincy is under fire after a controversial decision during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. As England piled up a massive 544/7 on Day 3, building a 186-run lead, fans and experts questioned Gill’s decision to delay Washington Sundar’s bowling entry until after 68 overs had passed.
Sundar, who had taken four wickets in the Lord’s Test, remained on the sidelines for most of the innings despite the pitch offering turn and variable bounce. Meanwhile, England’s top order, including Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes, dominated India’s bowling attack with little resistance. When Sundar was finally brought on, he quickly removed Pope and Brook, proving his value and highlighting the earlier oversight.
Experts Question Leadership and Decision-Making
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar openly questioned the logic behind Gill’s tactics on JioHotstar’s broadcast. “I can’t see Bumrah, KL Rahul, or Gambhir agreeing to keep Sundar out for so long,” Manjrekar remarked, pointing out that such decisions should not rest solely on one young captain’s shoulders.
Manjrekar also hinted at a deeper issue—whether Gill’s rising confidence as a batter might be keeping senior voices silent. The criticism extended beyond just Sundar’s usage, with questions raised about India’s overall bowling strategy and the lack of adaptability during high-pressure situations.
With two days remaining and India facing a daunting deficit, Gill must quickly regroup and make sharper calls. England’s lead and momentum mean India needs something special to bounce back and keep the five-match series alive.
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