Home

News

Video

In-Short
Ravi Shastri Doubts Shubman Gill's Approach, But Akash Deep Shines After India's Slow Beginning
  • 196 views
  • 2 min read

Ravi Shastri, known for his forthright opinions, couldn't contain his surprise at Shubman Gill's strategy on the crucial Day 5 of the second Test between India and England. Gill's decision to hold back Mohammed Siraj, who had already taken seven wickets in the match, from opening the bowling raised eyebrows. Shastri, on commentary, expressed his disbelief, stating, "Can't believe that Mohammed Siraj is not opening the bowling. He has taken 7 wickets in this match, but he's sat at mid-on". Instead, Gill opted for Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep to start the proceedings.

Adding to Shastri's bewilderment was the fact that Akash Deep was bowling from a different end than he had on the previous day. This tactical shift, combined with Siraj's absence from the initial attack, seemed perplexing to the former India coach.

However, Akash Deep immediately proved Shastri wrong. With the pressure mounting, Akash Deep delivered a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Ollie Pope. The delivery exhibited uneven bounce, catching Pope off guard. The ball struck Pope on the back of his elbow before deflecting onto the stumps, sending the English batsman back to the pavilion. This early wicket provided India with the momentum they desperately needed and justified Gill's faith in the young pacer.

Akash Deep's performance underscores his ability to make an impact, even on relatively flat wickets. In this match, he demonstrated his knack for getting the new ball to move, troubling the English batsmen. His success can be attributed to his fuller length and his strategy of attacking the off-stump.

The young bowler has received a lot of support from the coaching staff. Akash Deep revealed that constant encouragement from bowling coach Morne Morkel and head coach Gautam Gambhir has helped him maintain high spirits and confidence, even when not in the playing XI. He stated that their shared experiences of playing in England and their praise for his skills have been instrumental in his development.

Shastri himself has been a vocal supporter of Shubman Gill, backing him to achieve great success as India's Test captain. He has praised Gill's elegance, maturity, and composure, emphasizing the importance of providing him with a long tenure to flourish. Shastri has also urged critics to consider Gill's potential and class, highlighting that he has a decade of cricket ahead of him. Despite questioning this particular tactic, Shastri has previously advised Gill to be more proactive in his captaincy.

While Gill's decision to delay the declaration in the match drew criticism, with some labeling his tactics as "boring", his trust in his bowling attack, particularly Akash Deep, ultimately paid off. Akash Deep's immediate impact after Shastri's expression of disbelief highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the importance of backing young talent. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial breakthroughs makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team.


Writer - Krishnan Patel
Krishnan Patel is a promising journalist, bringing a fresh perspective and a dedication to impactful storytelling, alongside a passion for sports. With a recent Journalism degree, Krishnan is particularly keen on exploring socio-political issues and economic developments. He's committed to thorough research and crafting narratives that inform and engage readers, aiming to contribute meaningful insights to current media discourse, all while staying connected to his love for sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Sports  |  Jul 06, 2025
Akash Deep shone brightly on Day 5 of the second Test against England in Birmingham, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The 28-year-old from Dehri, Bihar, displayed disciplined lengths and skillful seam movement, earning the reward...

World  |  Jul 06, 2025
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of including the Global South in world bodies, stating that these organizations are like "phones without SIM cards" without their participation...

Video Broadcast  |  Jul 06, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Brazil for a four-day visit, marked by a warm reception from the Indian diaspora. He will be attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and undertaking a state visit. The Indian community welcomed hi...

World  |  Jul 06, 2025
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has called for a paradigm shift in the cooperative sector, emphasizing the integration of transparency, technology, and people's welfare into its core "work culture". Speaking at an event commemorating th...

Advertisement
Sports  |  Jul 06, 2025
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women's National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand. The Blue Tigresses secured their sp...

Sports  |  Jul 06, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers' efforts to fine-tune their roster through trades are facing unexpected challenges this offseason, as two players with no-trade clauses (NTC) have declined to waive them. This development significantly restricts the team's flexibi...

Sports  |  Jul 06, 2025
Neeraj Chopra's meteoric rise to fame has not only cemented his place as one of India's greatest athletes but has also ignited a newfound passion for track and field in a nation traditionally dominated by cricket. His Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020...

Sports  |  Jul 06, 2025
Pakistan is likely to be excluded from the World Clubs T20 Championship, which is expected to launch next year. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) winning team is unlikely to be invited to the event, which is being fast-tracked with the backing of the I...

Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360