Gautam Gambhir finally gets support as Gavaskar's logic faces fiery pushback: Washington Sundar 'not a negative move'
The move to deny Kuldeep a spot in the playing XI and select a second spin-bowling all-rounder, Washington Sundar, to strengthen the lower-order batting, left Sunil Gavaskar baffled. He questioned the logic behind Sundar's inclusion, which was explained as a move to strengthen the lower-order batting, which was majorly at fault during India's five-wicket loss in the series opener in Leeds.
"If your top-order batters are not giving you the runs you expect, then Washington at seven or Nitish Reddy at eight won't necessarily fix that, because those weren't the batters who failed you in the first Test. You scored 830 runs. You didn't score 380 in two innings — it was 830-plus. That's a lot of runs," he said on Sony Sports Network. 'So, where you needed strengthening was in the wicket-taking department, not so much in the batting.'
However, Pathan did not buy this narrative. He rather lashed out at the "negative" reaction behind the move to include Sundar. He backed the all-rounder to vindicate the selection with the bat and ball at Edgbaston. MUST READ: Why India, England players are wearing black armbands in Birmingham Test?
'I'm not buying the narrative that playing Washington Sundar is a negative move. It's actually an attempt to fix what's been missing for a while — lower-order resistance. And let's not forget, he will contribute with the ball too. Specially vs English batters,' he tweeted.
India also made two other changes in the playing XI, largely to compensate the absence of Bumrah, who was rested to manage his workload. Sai Sudharsan, who made his debut in Leeds, paid the price as he was benched to make way for fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Akash Deep replaced the 31-year-old.
India trail 0-1 in the series against England, having lost in Leeds.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
India vs England LIVE, 2nd Test Day 2: Shubman Gill On Cusp Of Breaking Virat Kohli's Highest Record, Ravindra Jadeja Nears 50
India vs England Live Updates, 2nd Test Day 2: Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja have resumed the proceedings for India from 310/5 on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against England in Birmingham. The duo is looking to extend their partnership, in order to help India post a good total. On the other hand, English bowlers are eyeing some wickets in the first session. Earlier on Day 1, Gill became only the fourth Indian Test captain ever to hit centuries in his first two Tests as captain. Yashasvi Jaiswal also slammed an impressive 87, narrowly missing out on his hundred. For England, Chris Woakes scalped two wickets. (Live Scorecard)
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Shubman Gill 'sent a message to dressing room' on Day 1, took charge at the centre: 'For those watching from balcony...'
Jul 03, 2025 03:36 PM IST Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott lavished praise on Indian captain Shubman Gill, hailing him as a 'world-class player' with a bright future after the 25-year-old registered his second consecutive century in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Trott was particularly impressed by Gill's tactical awareness and adaptability, especially in how he negotiated the challenges posed by England pacers Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes. India's Shubman Gill in action (Action Images via Reuters) 'Carse has a bit more pace than Woakes but what's impressive is Gill's understanding on how to counter both. He knows Woakes will try to attack the stumps, and without express pace Gill formulated a plan to counter that — not something he came up with on the day, but a strategy clearly thought out well in advance. This is what separates good players from average ones and world-class players from the rest,' Trott said. 'Having the confidence to execute a plan that's not necessarily textbook, but gives you an edge over the opposition, is remarkable. As captain, that has a significant impact — not just out in the middle, but also for those watching from the team balcony. What also stood out was his body language and the way he scored his runs,' he added. 'World-class player' Trott further noted that Gill's calm demeanour and composure at the crease have become a stabilising influence for the Indian side. 'His control against the English bowlers sent a message to the dressing room — that he was taking charge, leading from the front. His intent was clear: 'I'll be there, I'll be not out, and I'll resume tomorrow. I'll make sure we get into a winning position.' Very impressive from such a young man — a world-class player with a bright future,' Trott concluded. At stumps on Day 1 of the second Test at Edgbaston, India stood at 310 for 5, with Gill unbeaten on 114 and Ravindra Jadeja providing support on 41.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Who was Diogo Jota? Liverpool football star died in car accident in Spain
In an unfortunate turn of events on Thursday, 28 June, Portuguese and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota lost his life in a tragic car accident near Zamora, Spain, sending a wave of emotional turmoil through the football fraternity. The 28-year-old Portuguese was travelling with his brother when his car met with an accident. According to witness reports, Jota's car was engulfed in flames after the crash. Jota had enjoyed a successful last season, winning the English Premier League title with Liverpool and UEFA Euro 2025 with Portugal, making his demise even more tragic for his fans. Who was Diogo Jota? Jota was born on 4 December 1996 in Porto, Portugal. He began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira in 2014 and quickly made an impression with his composure and flair. His potential earned him a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016, but he did not feature in the first team and instead went on loan spells to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. At Wolves, he played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to the Premier League and established himself as one of the standout forwards in English football. He scored 44 goals in 131 appearances for the Midlands side before securing a move to Liverpool. Success at Liverpool Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in September 2020 and soon became a key part of Jürgen Klopp's attacking line-up. In his five years at the club, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals across all competitions. His performances contributed to Liverpool's recent successes, including the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup titles. International career On the international stage, Diogo Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and scored 14 goals. He was part of the national team that won the UEFA Nations League twice and featured regularly in major tournaments. He was widely regarded as a player who embodied Portugal's modern, attacking football. Personal life and legacy Diogo Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on 22 June 2025, just 11 days before his death. The couple had three children. Off the pitch, he was known for his cheerful personality and humility, and was deeply respected by teammates and rivals alike. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the football world. Tributes poured in from Portugal's prime minister and senior football officials. The Portuguese Football Federation has requested UEFA to hold a minute's silence before Portugal's Women's European Championship fixture against Spain to honour both Jota and André Silva. Jota leaves behind a legacy not just of goals and trophies, but of spirit, leadership and joy. His sudden passing is an immeasurable loss for football.
