Former players are giving their verdict on Shubman Gill on a daily basis. His every move is being scrutinised despite knowing that he is leading the Indian National Cricket Team for the first time in Test cricket. He was appreciated when India won the second Test by 336 runs, but a defeat in the third game has put him in the firing line. His bat has gone silent, and cricket pundits are questioning his batting and captaincy.

After India posted 358 runs in their first innings of the fourth Test, Gill gave a new ball to Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Anshul Kamboj. The two were guilty of bowling short and wide, allowing England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley to score easy runs. Mohammed Siraj, who has been among the wickets in this series, was brought on later in the game.

Hemang Badani and RP Singh called out Gill for ignoring Siraj. “India have had different opening bowlers combinations in the series so far. I feel India should have started with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj instead of Anshul Kamboj. They are senior bowlers. Anshul was under pressure as it was his first game,” he said.

“Bumrah and Siraj would have dried the runs, which would have allowed Anshul to create an impact,” he added.

RP Singh agreed with Badani. “Shubman Gill should have given the new ball to Bumrah and Siraj, as Anshul is playing his first game. He took time to get into rhythm and bowled well in his third spell of the day,” RP Singh said.

Crawley and Duckett added 166 runs for the first wicket, which took England’s total to 225/2 in reply to India’s 358. The third day will be crucial for both teams.