Former India skipper urges Gautam Gambhir's team India to stop 'Optional Practice' after loss against England in 1st Test

Legendary Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has called on Shubman Gill and the Indian team to take a short break following their defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley but made it clear that they must switch to intense, full-fledged practice immediately after. Gavaskar emphasized that the team should discard the idea of 'optional practice' and instead focus completely on preparations for the second Test at Edgbaston.

Speaking to Sony Sports, Gavaskar cited Cheteshwar Pujara's example to drive home his point. He explained how Pujara never backed away from training, even during optional sessions, and was often questioned by coaches for pushing himself. "Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best chance," he said.

"I mean Cheteshwar Pujara has been part of the optional team. I know when he opted to bat, there have been people who have said, 'What are you doing?' including the coaching staff. I have seen some of the coaching staff, not this one; Cheteshwar was not part of this team. they said, "Can't you have a break or something?" Gavaskar remarked, highlighting Pujara's unmatched work ethic.

Gavaskar recommends team changes for Edgbaston Test

The former skipper also suggested a few changes for the second Test starting on July 2 in Birmingham. He backed the inclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur, citing the surface at Edgbaston that might offer slight assistance to spin. "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team. I do believe that he should come into the team for Shardul Thakur," he said.

Gavaskar added that further changes might be needed depending on how the second match goes. "If things don't go well in the second test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair). I don't want to drop them at the moment. Then I'd also look at Washington (Sundar) so that it really gives you a more solid batting and also get a little more variety as far as the bowling is concerned."