'There is no point in playing...': India great gives major selection advice to Gautam Gambhir, wants this star in playing XI for second Test

The defeat in the Headingley Test sparked a series of criticisms ahead of the India vs. England 2nd Test of the ongoing 5-match series. India was defeated by 5 wickets on the fifth day of the first Test.

Pritam Santra
Pritam Santra

2 mins read
Shubman Gill

The defeat in the Headingley Test sparked a series of criticisms ahead of the India vs. England 2nd Test of the ongoing 5-match series. India was defeated by 5 wickets on the fifth day of the first Test.

Like many cricket experts, Dilip Vengsarkar also heavily criticized the strategy of Shubman Gill's side for the surprising result. The result surprised many, as India got 5 tons before the final day. The host team won the match by chasing a fightable target of 371. Ben Duckett's 149-run innings helps England to chase down the required total to seal the victory.

In the Leeds Test, India suffered batting collapses in both the first and second innings. The lower batting order could not stand to extend the target on the scoreboard. The former Indian cricketer found enough space to improve the playing XI of the newly shaped Team India.

Read More: Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas Bonds With India's Ishan Kishan During County Championship

Two cricket experts advised team management to left Thakur our of the XI

According to Dilip Vengsarkar, team management should consider playing an extra spinner in the next match. He advised playing Kuldeep Yadav instead of another pacer. Vengsarkar said that Yadav can make an impact on the field in place of Shardul Thakur or Prasidh Krishna. 

"Kuldeep needs to be there. There is no point in playing with four pacers. Either Shardul or Prasidh can make way for him," the Indian cricket legend said. Shardul Thakur attracted criticism from another former cricketer-turned-cricket expert, Sanjay Manjrekar. On the basis of the Headingley Test, Manjrekar said about the all-rounder, "I'm sorry, but Shardul Thakur has to go out. I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come back. I’m sorry to say, but that is one change India will have to make."

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