In the first innings of the Headingley Test, India lost their fourth wicket in 430. In Edgbaston, the score was 208.
Gautam Gambhir is getting a lot of flak. From resting Jasprit Bumrah, continuing to bench Kuldeep Yadav, and fielding three all-rounders, the Indian head coach isn’t escaping criticism. Unfortunately, his selection picks and their performances are further proving the critics right.
His decision to drop Sai Sudharsan for Nitish Kumar Reddy hasn’t worked so far. The 23-year-old had looked great in the second innings of the Headingley Test, having recorded a duck in the first innings. But fell on 30. One could see the talent and ideally, he should have been backed.
Gambhir’s ploy off to a bad start
Well, that didn’t happen. Karun Nair took over the number three spot, where Sudharsan batted, and Nitish Reddy was slotted at number six, the position where Nair played. Many felt this, along with bringing Washington Sundar for Shardul Thakur, compromised both the batting and bowling. Playing just 5 batters and 3 bowlers didn’t inspire confidence.
The worst thing happened. Indian batters couldn’t perform at Edgbaston the way they did in Headingley. India was 208/4 with Gill being the only top-five batter left. Then came Nitish Reddy. Although he didn’t look jittery, he lasted a mere 6 balls. Chris Woakes brought one ball in, Nitish left it, and he was clean bowled.
All eyes will now be on Washington. Both his and Nitish’s selections were made to ensure there isn’t a lower-order collapse. But if both fail with the bat. What then? Their bowling alone doesn’t merit a place in the team. For Nitish, he has to justify why a proper batter was left out for him with his bowling.
Washington fought with Kuldeep Yadav for a spot; if his batting doesn’t come good, the pitchforks will be out. There is no way he’s at the same level as Kuldeep when it comes to being one of India’s two spinners in England.
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