Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford saw a flurry of runs from the hosts, but also a storm of criticism directed at India captain Shubman Gill. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar led the charge, questioning Gill’s tactical acumen, particularly his puzzling decision to hold back off-spinner Washington Sundar until the 69th over of England’s first innings.

England began the day at 225/2 with Joe Root and Ollie Pope looking settled. By stumps, they had raced to 544/7, taking a commanding 186-run lead. During this period, Gill’s prolonged reliance on pace in conditions that were offering some turn raised eyebrows. With England cruising and no breakthrough in sight, Sundar was finally brought into the attack—and he delivered almost instantly.

Sundar dismissed Pope for 71, breaking a 144-run stand that had tilted the game firmly in England’s favour. He then sent back the dangerous Harry Brook for just 3, finishing the day with an impressive 2/57 from 19 overs. His flight, drift, and control on a dry surface raised one unavoidable question: Why wasn’t he brought in earlier?

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Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on the broadcast, didn’t hold back. “Somewhere down the line, Shubman Gill feels that his spinner can’t get him a wicket. Perhaps he doesn’t rate Washington highly. But that’s a major red flag,” he said bluntly. While Manjrekar acknowledged Gill’s leadership is still a work in progress, he firmly believed Jasprit Bumrah should’ve taken over captaincy when fit.

“I don’t see any plausible reason for not using Sundar for the first 68 overs,” Sanjay Manjrekar added. “It shows a lack of trust in a proven match-winner.”

Former England pacer Stuart Broad echoed the criticism. On air, Broad said, “Everyone’s been asking the same thing—where is Washington Sundar? England are 300-plus for two and the bowler who took 4 for 22 at Lord’s hasn’t been seen.”

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As India head into Day 4 trailing significantly, Gill’s decision-making is under the microscope. With England threatening to seal the series, the timing of Sundar’s introduction may come to define not just this Test, but also Gill’s leadership credentials in the longer format. Joe Root’s commanding 150 has only added to India’s worries, as the visitors look to regroup with the series on the line.