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Washington Sundar Strikes Late: Gill’s Delay Raises Eyebrows As Pope and Brook Fall
By CricShots - Jul 25, 2025 7:06 pm
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For anyone closely following the ongoing fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, one can’t help but raise eyebrows at Shubman Gill’s puzzling use—or rather non-use—of Washington Sundar. Despite every frontline bowler struggling to keep the English batters in check, Gill waited until the 69th over to introduce Sundar. This decision left many baffled, especially considering Sundar’s four-wicket haul in the second innings at Lord’s just a week earlier.

Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar took two wickets in 3 overs

By the end of Day 2, England had coasted to 225/2 in just 46 overs at an alarming run rate. Ravindra Jadeja finally ended Zak Crawley’s early assault in the 32nd over, but even then, Washington never got a look-in. The surface offered some grip, and the English batters—especially the likes of Joe Root and Harry Brook—had looked vulnerable against Sundar’s drift and subtle turn at Lord’s. Yet, Gill opted not to roll the dice.

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Even more confusing was that India had entered this Test with three all-rounders in their XI—Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar—with the intent of maintaining depth in both departments. But Shardul bowled just six overs, and Washington none until the 69th, suggesting the team either misread the conditions or simply failed to execute their plans effectively.

 

 

When Washington Sundar finally arrived, his impact was immediate. He broke a 38-over-long partnership by dismissing Ollie Pope, who was well set on 71, with a classic drifting delivery. Just a few overs later, he removed Harry Brook with an equally clever piece of bowling—flight, dip, and a sharp stumping. It left everyone questioning: Why wasn’t he used earlier?

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Gill’s tactics—or the lack of them—have come under fire. Playing six bowlers but under-utilising two makes little cricketing sense. If Sundar and Thakur weren’t going to be used properly, wouldn’t a specialist batter and frontline bowler have served India better?

As the match progresses, India may well pay the price for these questionable calls. Whether Gill admits to an oversight or not post-match, the damage might already be done. In a Test where every session counts, some decisions just don’t have room for error—and this one may prove costly.

Tags Harry BrookIndia vs. EnglandManchester TestOllie PopeShubman GillWashington Sundar