India's team selection for the second Test against England at Edgbaston has sparked considerable debate, particularly the inclusion of Washington Sundar in place of Kuldeep Yadav. Former cricketers and pundits have expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning the logic behind favoring Sundar's all-round abilities over Kuldeep's potential to take wickets.
India made three changes to their lineup for the second Test. Jasprit Bumrah was rested to manage his workload, paving the way for Akash Deep. Sai Sudharsan was dropped after an underwhelming debut, and Washington Sundar was included. Nitish Kumar Reddy also joined the playing XI, replacing Shardul Thakur. England won the toss and chose to bowl first, looking to capitalize on favorable overhead conditions.
The decision to include Washington Sundar has drawn a blunt response from some observers. Gautam Gambhir, the coach, has faced scrutiny for his preference for deep batting lineups and all-rounders. Some believe that Gambhir's "obsession" with batting depth might be hindering the team's chances of taking 20 wickets, which is crucial for winning Test matches.
Critics argue that Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist-spinner, could have been a more valuable asset on a pitch that is expected to offer assistance to spin later in the match. They point out that India struggled to pick up wickets in the first Test, and Kuldeep's inclusion could have provided a much-needed wicket-taking option.
However, some experts have defended Sundar's selection. They argue that he brings balance to the team with his batting and controlled bowling. Moreover, Irfan Pathan has supported the move, hitting out at the "negative" reaction and backing Sundar to justify his selection with both bat and ball. The inclusion of Sundar and Reddy alongside Ravindra Jadeja gives India a trio of all-rounders. This strengthens the batting lineup and provides additional bowling options, especially with Bumrah's absence.
The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah, the leader of the pace attack, has also raised eyebrows. While workload management is important, some believe that Bumrah's presence was essential for India to bounce back in the series. His absence puts additional pressure on Mohammed Siraj and the other bowlers to perform.
Ultimately, the success of India's team selection will depend on how the players perform on the field. The inclusion of Washington Sundar is a calculated risk, and it remains to be seen whether he can justify his selection with a strong performance. India are aiming to level the series, and the team will need to fire on all cylinders to achieve that goal.
