Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns over the team management’s approach to team selection, particularly the shuffling of the batting order, following India’s dramatic comeback win over England at Edgbaston. While the 336-run victory helped India level the five-match series 1-1, Manjrekar believes such wins can often hide tactical flaws such as the decision to drop a promising youngster like Sai Sudharsan.
India made a few changes after losing the first Test at Headingley. Karun Nair was promoted to bat at number three, even though he had played at number six in Leeds. He replaced Sudharsan, while Washington Sundar came into the team as a lower-order all-rounder. Manjrekar questioned these changes and pointed out that the management, under head coach Gautam Gambhir, is not sticking with a settled XI.
Sai Sudharsan had a mixed debut. He got out for a duck in the first innings but scored 30 in the second. Karun Nair, who returned to Test cricket after almost eight years, has managed scores of 0, 20, 31, and 26 in four innings so far. Manjrekar believes Sudharsan should have been given more time.
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Sanjay Manjrekar Questions India’s Changes Despite Historic Win in Edgbaston Test
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar said he did not agree with some of the changes made for the Edgbaston Test, even if the end result was in India’s favour.
"There were some very interesting selections made in the last game, which I didn’t agree with. In the end, a win can put a cover on those decisions. I thought Sai Sudharsan, after just one match, to be left out considering he is a young player that we are looking at the future. He played pretty okay in the second innings. I’d like to stick with him but this team management is not afraid to chop and change depending on the vibe," Manjrekar said as quoted on ESPNcricinfo.
Manjrekar was also critical of Nair’s promotion to the No. 3 spot, stating that he should not bat at that position. Instead, he wants Sudharsan to be given the backing.
"But I would like to see Sai Sudharsan at number three. Karun Nair is not a number-three player in my book. It is unfair to drop him after one Test if everyone is getting big hundreds. I think Sai deserves that opportunity as well," Manjrekar added.
He further cautioned India against complacency ahead of the Lord's Test, starting July 10. Despite strong batting performances in the series so far, he said the team must stay grounded and realistic about their capabilities with England fielding a sharper bowling attack at Lord’s after the inclusion of Jofra Archer.
"I’d like to see India being pragmatic and realistic about how good the team is. They’ve got to still be careful about their batting. Shubman Gill got these big hundreds and made sure that India could win the Test match. I’m just imagining him getting 103 and 104, and it would have been tough to win the Test. He has taken care of a lot of those issues. India need to make sure that the batting is in place. Perhaps a changed England attack will have more sharpness and potency," Manjrekar stated.
Jasprit Bumrah Set to Return for Lord’s Test
India will bring back Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test at Lord’s. The fast-bowler was rested for the Edgbaston Test to manage his workload but is expected to return to lead the bowling attack.
Bumrah bagged a fifer in the first Test at Headingley. His return will strengthen the pace attack with the conditions at Lord’s likely to assist pacers.
With the series level at 1-1, India will be hoping for another strong performance from their bowling unit, and Bumrah’s presence will be a big boost.
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