India vs England 2021: ‘He is not going to be that change’ – Sunil Gavaskar backs youngster for spot in playing XI for second Test
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Sunil Gavaskar
After a historic series win Down Under, India didn’t get the start they expected to their home season. The hosts conceded a 227 run defeat to England to kick off the four-match series. Losing the toss on a flat surface, India gave away a huge first-innings lead to the visitors. And were never able to set their foot in the game despite Ravichandran Ashwin’s six wickets in the second innings.
Despite all the shortcomings, the youngsters were the silver lining for the hosts in the game. Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar continued their great run with the bat as they brought up hard fought half-centuries.
Going into the second game, India will be planning some tactical changes to bounce back strong. While it is pretty much sure that changes will be in the bowling unit, Sunil Gavaskar backed Washington to retain his place. The former Indian opener shares that given his prowess with the bat, he will not be the one facing the axe.
“What we heard at the press conference, there could be possible just one change. I can’t see too many changes happening because ‘too many changes’ is a sign of panic. And there is no need to panic,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“This is a very good team. This team was outplayed and it can happen. Yes, we talked about how the toss was important because you get to bat on good pitches which are much better than on the fourth and the fifth day. So, there could be just one change but Washington Sundar is not going to be that change.”
‘Washinton Sundar bowls flat, flat, flat!’ reckons Sunil Gavaskar
Sundar has been exceptional with the bat having scored two fifties in as many games. But with the ball, he is a work in progress. Gavaskar points out that having played a lot of T20 cricket, he is very defensive as a bowler. He explains that Washington doesn’t toss the ball up taking out the attacking approach altogether.
“Because of the way he has batted. Maybe, he might get to bowl a little bit more. He’s is more a T20 type of a bowler because he bowls flat, flat, flat. And doesn’t really gives the ball much air as Ashwin does,” Gavaskar added.
The remaining three Tests are very crucial for India if they want to board the flight to London for the World Test Championship final. As of changes, it is high time Kuldeep Yadav gets a chance to prove his skill with the ball. The leg spinner could prove handy if the pitch for the second Test is similar to that of the first.
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