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Cricket pundits pulled no punches on India's head coach Gautam Gambhir when Jasprit Bumrah was kept out of playing XI in the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Former India's head coach Ravi Shastri was also among the prominent voices questioning the Gambhir-led team management's decision to rest pace spearhead for the Edgbaston Test. Shastri was not happy with the move, particularly given Bumrah's stellar performance in the series opener at Leeds, where he was the standout bowler with a five-wicket haul. He argued that with a week's gap between the matches, resting a key player in such fine form was a baffling choice, suggesting it could derail the team's momentum.
Ravi Shastri all praise for Gautam Gambhir
However, proving everyone wrong Shubman Gill-led India bulldozed England by 336 runs in the second Test. This forced Shastri take back his words as India orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, securing their biggest-ever overseas victory. With this India also broke their long-standing 58-year jinx to clinch their first-ever win at Edgbaston since 1967. Captain Shubman Gill was the architect of India's historic win, delivering a record-breaking batting display with scores of 259 and 161. Just as significantly, Bumrah's replacement, Akash Deep, silenced all doubts with a phenomenal debut, claiming a 10-wicket haul for the match, which included a decisive six-wicket spell in the second innings that helped visitors bundled out 271 while chasing a colossal target of 608 runs.
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The comprehensive victory and the stellar debut of Akash Deep validated the team management's bold strategy. In a fitting turn of events, Shastri, from the commentary box, witnessed the success of the very decision he had criticised. As the camera focused on a smiling Gautam Gambhir after the win, Shastri graciously lauded the head coach, acknowledging that India's head coach deserved full credit for the courageous call that not only kept the series alive but also showcased the depth and strength of the Indian squad.
“Don't see that smile too often, but he deserves every bit of it. There is no better feeling for a coach than when you bounce back almost immediately to keep the series alive,” Shastri said.
As Gill confirmed after the match, Bumrah will be back in India's playing XI for the third Test against England, which is slated to start from July 10 at Lord's.
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