Following Team India’s heavy defeat in the first Test at the hands of England in Chennai, former skipper Sunil Gavaskar has recommended one change for the 2nd Test. The second tie starts at the same venue – MA Chidambaram Stadium from February 13 (Saturday).
Virat Kohli & Co struggled mainly because of their newcomers – Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Nadeem failed to keep up the pressure built by Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The English batters fetched easy runs against Nadeem and Sundar which helped them to release the pressure while the run came by.
India should play Kuldeep Yadav in 2nd Test – Sunil Gavaskar
Speaking at the post-match analysis on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar feels that the Indian spin-bowling attack needs a bit of variety, and playing both Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar may not make a whole lot of sense.
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Adding further, the legendary cricketer said Shahbaz Nadeem had butterflies in his tummies where he bowled nine no-balls in the 59 overs combined. Moreover, Gavaskar expressed concerns over Ashwin as the latter also bowled a few no-balls.
“Maybe in the hindsight, they could have included Kuldeep Yadav a bit of variety. Because you have two off-spinners Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin,” Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying on Star Sports.
“Maybe they will bring Kuldeep Yadav for the next Test in place of Nadeem or Washington Sundar, whoever it is. But they need to look at dismissing England for lesser than what they scored this around. I think, Shahbaz Nadeem got just a little bit nervous. I’m not even talking about the way he bowls but the no-balls it’s always an indication that the bowler is a little too anxious.
“And particularly spinner anxious to get it going. And when that happens, you tend to overstep. It happened with Ashwin as well. After a long time, he bowled a no-ball. So yes, those are the areas India need to look at,” Gavaskar added.
Also Read: 3 Changes Team India Should Make In The 2nd Test
On the other hand, Washington Sundar, who is playing only his 2nd Test, returned wicketless in the 27 overs he bowled. However, he chipped in with a valuable knock of 85 runs with the bat in the first innings and is expected to retain his berth in the playing XI.
