Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made a significant U-turn in his assessment of Gautam Gambhir's leadership, following India's remarkable victory at Edgbaston. Shastri, who had previously voiced strong criticism of the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the crucial second Test, was quick to acknowledge Gambhir's role in the team's turnaround.
Shastri's initial criticism stemmed from India's decision to bench their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, after a five-wicket haul in the previous Test at Leeds. Shastri expressed disbelief that Bumrah was being rested, especially with a week's gap between the first and second Tests. He argued that Bumrah's presence was crucial for India to level the series, especially after losing the first match. Shastri went so far as to say that the decision to play Bumrah should be taken out of the player's hands and be the responsibility of the captain and coaching staff. He also criticized what he perceived as a defensive mindset, suggesting that prioritizing Bumrah's workload management for the Lord's Test was a mistake.
However, India's stunning 336-run victory at Edgbaston, their first-ever Test win at the ground, forced Shastri to reassess his views. The win, which leveled the series 1-1, was achieved despite Bumrah's absence, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep leading the bowling attack. Akash Deep, making his debut, took 10 wickets in the match, including a six-wicket haul in the second innings, playing a pivotal role in India's triumph. Captain Shubman Gill also led from the front with impressive scores of 269 and 161.
The cameras captured Gautam Gambhir smiling after the victory, a rare sight given his typically serious demeanor. Reacting to this moment during the post-match coverage, Shastri admitted that Gambhir "deserves every bit of it". He acknowledged the significance of the victory and the positive impact it would have on the team's morale. "Don't see that smile too often, but he deserves every bit of it. There is no better feeling for a coach than when your team bounces back to keep the series alive," Shastri said on air.
Akash Deep also credited Gautam Gambhir for his outstanding performance, revealing that Gambhir's words of encouragement had significantly boosted his confidence. Akash Deep said that Gambhir told him, “You don’t even know how much skill you have. Sometimes we don’t even understand our own ability. But when someone like him says it, it lifts you completely". This acknowledgment from a key player further highlighted Gambhir's positive influence on the team.
Shastri's change of heart underscores the unpredictable nature of cricket and the importance of adaptability in leadership. While his initial concerns about resting Bumrah were understandable, India's victory demonstrated the team's depth and the effectiveness of Gambhir's strategic decisions. The win not only leveled the series but also instilled a sense of belief and resilience within the team, proving that they can overcome challenges even without their star players. It also highlighted the importance of giving opportunities to young talents like Akash Deep, who seized the moment and delivered a match-winning performance.
