'Sunlight is also listening to...' - Former cricketer reacts to India's bowling performance on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has criticized the Indian bowling unit for their lackluster performance on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. England ended the day strongly at 225/2 in response to India’s 358, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley dominating the bowling attack. Chopra remarked that the visitors’ weaknesses were exposed, and conditions also favored the hosts.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out how England’s aggressive opening partnership dismantled India’s bowling plans. "England are 225/2. The opening partnership was destructive. They ran at more than five runs per over. They exposed a few of our gaps. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) did break the partnership by bowling a little restrictively; it was a good catch as well, and (Anshul) Kamboj got a wicket towards the end, but we looked weak," he said. He further added, "Suddenly, the sun also started shining. I am in Birmingham, and it has been overcast here throughout the day, but the sun has come out in Manchester, and it came out when they started batting, which means sunlight is also listening to the hosts."

Ben Duckett hammered 94 off 100 balls with 13 fours, while Crawley made 84 off 113, also hitting 13 boundaries and a six. Their 166-run stand in just 32 overs left India searching for answers on a day when the bowlers struggled to find rhythm or movement. Chopra believes India will struggle to stay in the contest if something extraordinary doesn't happen with the ball on Day 3. "They have run far ahead in the game. If you don't produce a spell of magic, we will fall way behind in this series."

Chopra questions Sundar’s non-utilization despite past success

The former cricketer expressed concern about India's bowling choices, particularly the decision not to use Washington Sundar at all during England’s innings. He pointed out that Sundar, who had taken four wickets in the previous Test at Lord’s, was completely unused despite India fielding six bowling options. "In the end, you need bowlers to take 20 wickets. One can say they have six bowlers, but the sixth bowler hasn't come at all. You haven't given Washington Sundar a single over in 46 overs. This is the same Washington Sundar who picked up four wickets at Lord's," Chopra noted.

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However, he defended captain Shubman Gill’s decision not to use Sundar, suggesting it’s difficult for a skipper to manage too many options. "You can't blame Shubman for that. Six bowlers aren't required in general, and when you have so many, it's hard to rotate everyone effectively," he concluded.