Exclusive: Former India Cricketer Backs Shubman Gill-Led Side to End 18-Year Test Series Drought in England

After losing the first match at Headingley in the ongoing five-match series against England, not many expected India to make a strong comeback in the second Test, especially with Jasprit Bumrah opting out. However, the Shubman Gill-led side left everyone awestruck with a commanding 336-run win in Birmingham.

But what changed for India to make such a strong comeback? Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh had the answer.

“Conviction in the selection process. They believed what they were doing by extending the batting lineup with Sundar and NKR, despite the calls for Kuldeep’s inclusion. And, the captain led from the front in both innings. Also, a much improved fielding/catching,” Dodda told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.

Views on Gill & Akash Deep’s Performance

When Indian selectors named Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, it raised several questions. But so far, Gill has done quite well, especially with the bat after being handed the leadership, and Dodda Ganesh believes he needs to be given a fair run.

“Early days at the test level, but it looks like Gill has his basics right as a captain. Had led GT smartly in the IPL also. So, India will have to give him a fair run before judging him for his captaincy. The selectors deserve a lot of credit for investing in him,” Dodda said.

Akash Deep was one of the heroes for India in the 2nd Test, as the right-arm pacer picked up a 10-wicket haul in the match. A pacer himself, known for making the ball talk back in the day, Ganesh heaped huge praise on Akash.

“Akash Deep bowled like a dream. Had seen him getting bucketfuls of wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Happy to see him replicating that performance at the Test level too. As a seamer, he has everything. A very good pace, can hurry on to you on any surface, and keeps bowling those nagging lines consistently. He should share the new ball with Bumrah at Lord’s. The damage he can do with the new ball is immense."

Can India Script History?

India has now gained confidence after the win, and Bumrah’s return will further boost their chances. The bowling attack was previously seen as a concern, but Dodda Ganesh believes that issue has now been addressed.

“India’s bowling attack has all its bases covered. Two genuine spinners and three quality seamers. What else can you ask for? With Bumrah coming back, India’s bowling attack looks like a well-oiled machine,” Dodda, who played four Tests and a solitary ODI for India, said.

India hasn’t won a Test series in England in 17 years, but Ganesh is confident that the current team could script history in the remaining three matches.

“I definitely feel that India has the team to win the series for the first time in 18 years. England have a pretty brittle team, I feel, despite the experience of Stokes and Root. With the victory at Birmingham, the hopes have rekindled for India. Hopefully, Bumrah plays all three remaining Tests and helps India win the series. Won’t be surprised if India wins the series 3-1,” he concluded.