In a pointed criticism that echoes across India’s cricketing circles, Ravi Shastri has publicly questioned the decision-making of stand-in Test captain Shubman Gill during the ongoing fourth Test match against England in Manchester, particularly over the delayed use of off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar. This criticism follows India’s struggling performance as England posted a massive 544/7 at stumps on the third day, with a lead of 186 runs.

Shastri, speaking on Sky Sports, emphasized that Sundar — who had taken four wickets in the Lord’s Test — was inexplicably brought into the attack only after 69 overs in the Manchester match, by which time England had already consolidated their position. Sundar eventually dismissed two key batters — Ollie Pope and Harry Brook — further underlining Shastri’s concerns about tactical inefficiency and poor timing by the Indian captaincy.

“He took four wickets in the last game. Then you bring that bloke after 67, 69 overs. I mean, what does it tell that player?” said Shastri.

He argued that such decisions can undermine the confidence of a bowler who had proved his value in the previous match, stating that Sundar should have been deployed much earlier, ideally within the first 30-35 overs. This, according to Shastri, was a clear missed opportunity by the Indian think tank, led by Gill.

Gill’s Leadership Under Fire

This is one of the first times Shubman Gill has captained the Indian side in a high-stakes overseas series. However, the youngster is facing growing scrutiny for his tactical decisions, with Shastri accusing him of multiple blunders. According to Shastri, such misjudgments could very well cost India the series.

Not stopping at Sundar’s delayed inclusion, Shastri also questioned the choice of bowler to take the new ball, suggesting that Mohammed Siraj would have been a more appropriate candidate than Kamboj, a newcomer making his debut.

“Instead of giving it to Kamboj, who’s new, playing his first Test. That let the pressure off England,” he added.

Shastri was also critical of India’s late bouncer tactic, stating that such aggressive bowling should have been deployed a day earlier when England was on the back foot.

“The bouncer tactic was 24 hours late. That should have been tried yesterday to make further inroads,” Shastri remarked.

England’s Dominance

The dominance of the English team has exposed the fragility of the Indian bowling unit, particularly on flat English pitches. Joe Root’s sublime knock of 150 runs off 248 balls set the tone for England’s commanding total. Contributions from Ben Stokes (77) and Ollie Pope (71)* further pushed India on the defensive.

The Indian pacers, visibly exhausted, struggled to maintain pressure or extract movement from the surface, allowing England to bat freely. According to on-field observers and analysts, India’s energy levels and body language were uninspiring, possibly hinting at fatigue from the long tour and a lack of rotation in the pace attack.

What This Means for India

India, already trailing in the series, now finds itself in a must-win situation for the remaining Test. A loss here could mean not only a series defeat but also questions over the team’s future leadership direction, especially in the absence of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

If the Indian management continues to rely on inexperience at the top, voices like Shastri’s are likely to grow louder. Shastri, known for his straight-talking style, has also previously indicated his support for Washington Sundar as India’s long-term all-rounder, which makes this incident even more significant in the broader context of team development.

What’s Next for Washington Sundar?

Despite limited opportunities, Washington Sundar has consistently impressed when given a chance. His ability to take wickets, contribute valuable runs, and maintain discipline makes him a rare commodity in the current Indian setup.

However, as Shastri pointed out, his impact is limited if not used wisely. For India to capitalize on Sundar’s abilities, he needs to be brought in early enough to influence the game, rather than as a last resort.

Conclusion

Ravi Shastri’s critique is not merely a reaction to a single match; it’s a broader warning about leadership, tactical clarity, and match awareness. In high-pressure tours like England, such factors can define the result. While Gill’s talent as a batter is beyond doubt, his captaincy will now be under intense examination in the remainder of the series.

As India prepares for the final Test, the onus will be on the team management to recalibrate their approach — not just in terms of bowling combinations but also in field placements, bowling rotations, and reading match conditions. If changes are not made quickly, the series could slip away, with long-term repercussions for India’s Test team planning.

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