Last Updated:
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar himself questioned the changes made, as he was invigorated by the Indian team’s player selection for the second Test.
Sunil Gavaskar (Getty Images)
India set out on their quest for revenge in Pune, as skipper Rohit Sharma announced three changes to his playing XI from the first Test: a decision that raised eyebrows.
The likes of Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep all replaced KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, as India opted to bank on their firepower with the bat more.
India’s troubles with the bat was showcased in the first innings of the first Test, when India were bundled out for just 46 runs: an issue that probably plagued their minds as they selected the squad today.
But, it would turn out to merely be a run of bad luck as the Men in Blue would go on to pile the runs in the next innings to give the visitors a fight.
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar himself questioned the same, as he remained invigorated by the Indian team’s player choice.
“It feels like a bit of a panic decision taken by Team India. You do not make 3 changes to the squad often,” Gavaskar stated on commentary.
“Including Washington Sundar means that India is worried about their batting more than bowling. India believe that Sundar’s batting will give them a bit more of a cushion.”
KL’s place in the side was under threat after Sarfaraz Khan hammered 150 runs in the second inning of the Bengaluru Test.
Rahul was preferred over Sarfaraz in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh last month, but after an average performance, there were calls for his exclusion from the playing XI.
An interesting pick was that of Washington Sundar, who brings an ability to bat more proficiently along with his trademark spin.
Akash Deep offers a bit more raw pace with the ball, and on a pitch that may not have much to offer the pacers, it shall be a trait that may come in handy.
The second Test is taking place in Pune.
