Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar slammed captain Shubman Gill for his reluctant use of spin in the form of Washington Sundar when the pace department was struggling to make stop the England batting juggernaut that soared past a whopping 500 on Day 3 of the Manchester Test.
Led by an invincible Joe Root’s record-breaking 150 and half-centuries from skipper Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope, England became the first team in four years to record a 500-plus total against India and also became the first side in nine years to cross 400 thrice in an innings in a series against India. Despite his seamers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj looking woefully out of rhythm, Gill did not turn to Sundar until the 70th over.
The Tamil Nadu off-spinner, who conjured a superb second-innings spell against England at Lord’s in the previous Test with a four-wicket haul, immediately made amends as he dismissed a well-set Pope and Harry Brook in succession. Blending his drift and lengths adeptly, Sundar ended the day as India’s most successful bowler, with figures of 2/57 in 19 overs.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel later revealed in the press conference that the decision to hold back Sundar was solely Gill’s decision. “Shubman made the call to stick longer with the seam options. In the first couple of days, we saw the ball was seaming and moving around. Pace on the ball was the way to go. Then, when we got out opportunity to bowl, we missed our lengths. When he got the opportunity with ball in hand today, Washi did a great job for us,” said Morkel.
‘What does this convey to Sundar?
Manjrekar stated that he could not see head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players KL Rahul and Bumrah standing in agreement with Gill’s tactics and reluctance to use spin.
“Can we assume that these decisions were taken solely by Shubman Gill? At this stage of his career, you’d expect him to get some inputs… or considering he has done so well as a batter, everybody has withdrawn, saying ‘this guy is getting into the zone’,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.
“Because I can’t see everyone agreeing to this kind of move. Bumrah, KL Rahul, or a Gambhir thinking Washi should not be bowled… come what may,” said Manjrekar further, mincing no words.
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“That he [Gill] went to Washington Sundar post 60 overs was just hard to understand. This is a guy who has just given you a reminder in the last Test match by getting four wickets. Also, when the second new ball was due, I just saw his keenness to go to the second new ball quickly. There was Ben Stokes out there clearly not comfortable against spin.
“It almost like he goes to spin reluctantly and even when they deliver, he’s not keen to stay with them,” Manjrekar added.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also lambasted the captain’s decision on Sky Sports, insisting that it sends a wrong message to Sundar who delivered with the ball in the previous match.
“Washington Sundar took four wickets in the last game. Then you bring that bloke after 67 overs. What does it tell that player? 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,” remarked Shastri.
