With India trailing 1-2 after the initial three games of the 5-Test series, discussions are underway before the Manchester match. Despite a close finish in the last game, potential lineup adjustments are being considered.
Ajinkya Rahane, the experienced Indian cricketer not on the England tour, has advised coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to consider adding another bowler to the team.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep were the main fast bowlers at Lord’s, supported by all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy. Yet, Rahane suggests bringing in another recognized bowler.
On his YouTube channel, Rahane said that it gets harder to bat on Days 4 and 5, making scoring difficult. He thinks India missed a chance to post a big first-innings score and should consider adding a bowler to secure 20 wickets, which is needed to win a Test match or series.
While Gautam Gambhir often favors all-rounders, there is talk of Nitish Reddy being dropped after the third Test. If this happens, Kuldeep Yadav could join the team in Manchester.
Rahane also gave England captain Ben Stokes credit for his on-field intensity, especially when bowling.
Rahane said that it’s easy for fielders to lose focus, especially close to lunch. However, Stokes’ attitude and intensity turned the game in England’s favor.
After losing the second Test, England improved at Lord’s, and Rahane was impressed by their collective effort.
He said that in Test cricket, you want to see all 11 players working together to secure the win.