Ravichandran Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill's focus on taking 20 wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin has raised questions about the commitment of India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and Test captain, Shubman Gill, when it comes to taking 20 wickets in a Test match. His remarks come in the wake of India's loss in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, where the bowling unit struggled to make breakthroughs, barring Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts. Ashwin stressed that the team's inability to bowl out England twice was a key concern that needs to be addressed.

India's pace attack, apart from Bumrah, failed to utilize the seam-friendly conditions effectively, and Ravindra Jadeja also came under fire for not using the rough outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the second innings. Many cricket experts have since suggested bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI for the second Test at Edgbaston. Ashwin echoed this sentiment, backing Kuldeep to play and emphasizing his value against England's tail, who scored freely in the first Test.

“There is a serious question of Gambhir and Gill's commitment to taking 20 wickets. This Test will show us. If you are seriously committed, Kuldeep gets a look-in,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “Kuldeep Yadav has to play. If there is not much grass, Kuldeep has to play. Drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep has to play. If he does play, the England tail also won't score many runs. Kuldeep would help you win two or three Tests in the series as he would create problems,” he added.

Kuldeep Yadav's Return and Historic Opportunity

Kuldeep Yadav last played a Test for India in October 2024 and was not selected in the playing XI for the Headingley Test, with India opting for Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spinner. However, signs from recent practice sessions indicate that Kuldeep is likely to feature in the Edgbaston Test starting Wednesday, July 2.

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Despite this, India's record at Edgbaston is disappointing. Since 1967, India has played eight Tests at Edgbaston. Seven of these have resulted in defeats for India and one in a draw. Under Gill's captaincy, India will now have the opportunity to overturn history and register its first Test win at Edgbaston.