Ashwin Voices Concern Over Gambhir and Gill’s Strategy for Securing 20 Wickets

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin articulated apprehensions on Tuesday regarding the Indian team management’s dedication to capturing 20 wickets in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England.

In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin specifically targeted head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test captain Shubman Gill’s tactics, especially after India’s underwhelming bowling display in the first Test held at Headingley, Leeds.

Ashwin advocated for the inclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, commencing on Wednesday, July 2nd.

Key Remarks by Ashwin:
  • “A significant question looms over Gambhir and Gill’s resolve to secure 20 wickets. This upcoming Test will provide clarity. Genuine commitment necessitates Kuldeep’s inclusion,” Ashwin stated.
  • The former spinner emphatically endorsed Kuldeep, suggesting that the left-arm wrist-spinner could be pivotal to India’s success in the series.

“Kuldeep Yadav must be in the lineup. If the pitch lacks substantial grass, his inclusion is imperative. Replace whoever necessary, but Kuldeep should feature. With him in the XI, England’s lower order won’t accumulate excessive runs. He has the potential to secure two to three Test victories for India in this series,” Ashwin elaborated.

Kuldeep’s last Test appearance for India was in October 2024. He was omitted from the playing XI in the initial Test, where the team favored Jadeja as the sole spinner.

The second Test of the five-match series between India and England is scheduled to begin on July 2nd in Birmingham, with England currently leading the series 1–0. In the Headingley Test, England clinched a five-wicket victory, despite five Indian batsmen achieving centuries—an unprecedented occurrence in Test cricket, marking India as the first team to lose a match despite such a collective batting feat.