IND vs ENG: 'A major red flag' — Sanjay Manjrekar slams Shubman Gill over Washington Sundar snub on Day 3

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised Shubman Gill's captaincy during the fourth Test against England, highlighting the delayed introduction of Washington Sundar as a significant concern. Despite the pitch favoring spin, Gill's reluctance to utilise Sundar until the 69th over, even after his impactful performance at Lord's, drew sharp criticism.
IND vs ENG: 'A major red flag' — Sanjay Manjrekar slams Shubman Gill over Washington Sundar snub on Day 3
India bowler Washington Sundar (C) with captain Shubman Gill. (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned Shubman Gill’s captaincy instincts, calling his decision to delay Washington Sundar’s introduction into the attack on Day 3 of the fourth Test in Manchester “a major red flag.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!England, resuming from 225/2, ended the day at a formidable 544/7, taking a 186-run lead and putting India on the back foot. Much of the scrutiny, however, fell on Gill’s choice to wait until the 69th over to bring on off-spinner Sundar — despite the pitch showing signs of turn and India’s pacers struggling to make breakthroughs.
Shardul Thakur opens up on being under bowled, gives inside details on Rishabh Pant
Sundar made an immediate impact once introduced, removing Ollie Pope for 71 and then dismissing Harry Brook for just 3 runs. The late double-strike provided India a brief window back into the game, but many questioned why the off-spinner wasn’t used earlier — especially after taking 4/22 in the second innings at Lord’s.
Poll
Should Washington Sundar have been introduced earlier in the match?
Speaking on Star Sports, Manjrekar didn’t mince his words: “So him [Gill] not bowling Washington Sundar… and there's no plausible reason for him to not bowl. I see this as a major red flag with Shubman Gill's, you know, trait as a captain.”
Manjrekar further criticised Gill’s preference for sticking with underperforming pacers on a track that clearly offered turn, noting it showed a lack of tactical awareness.Former England pacer Stuart Broad echoed Manjrekar’s sentiments.“Everybody's been saying, where's Washington Sundar? Why are we not seeing him? They're 300-odd for two and we haven't seen the off-spinner who got 4 for 22 in the last innings at Lord's,” Broad remarked on the broadcast.
India now face a daunting task on Day 4, with England already firmly in command and Joe Root’s sparkling 150 ensuring the hosts are on track for a series-clinching win.
author
About the AuthorTOI Sports Desk

At TOI Sports Desk, reporters work around the clock to bring you comprehensive updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews, and reviews, along with statistics-based technical analysis, the latest social media trends, and expert insights across cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey, motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics, and more.

End of Article
Follow Us On Social Media