India entered the second Test in Pune with a bold and somewhat surprising move as skipper Rohit Sharma announced three changes to the playing XI, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world. Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep were brought in to replace KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.
This reshuffle signalled India’s desire to bolster their batting lineup, likely a response to their struggles in the first innings of the opening Test, where they were bundled out for a dismal 46 runs. The poor showing in that first innings undoubtedly weighed heavily on the minds of the team’s selectors, but India’s ability to mount a strong comeback in the second innings of that match showcased their resilience.
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, questioned the need for so many changes. “It feels like a bit of a panic decision taken by Team India. You don’t often see three changes being made to the playing XI,” Gavaskar remarked during commentary.
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He also pointed out that Washington Sundar’s inclusion suggested India’s concern with their batting depth more than their bowling, saying, “Including Washington Sundar means India is worried about their batting more than their bowling. They believe Sundar’s batting will provide a bit of a cushion.”
KL Rahul’s place in the side had been under scrutiny, especially after Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive knock of 150 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test. Rahul, who was preferred over Sarfaraz during the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, had failed to impress, leading to calls for his exclusion.
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The selection of Washington Sundar, known for his handy lower-order batting and accurate spin bowling, appeared to address India’s need for balance. Meanwhile, Akash Deep’s raw pace could be a valuable asset on a Pune pitch that might not offer much for the bowlers, making his selection a strategic move. As the second Test unfolds, India will look to capitalize on these changes and seek redemption from their earlier loss.
