Washington Sundar became the unexpected headline-maker in the fourth Test between India and England at Manchester—not for how he started, but for how he finished.
After being shockingly ignored by captain Shubman Gill for the first 68 overs of England’s innings and receiving a public scolding from senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Sundar silenced his critics with a sensational bowling display. His powerful comeback not only broke a crucial 144-run partnership but also reignited the debate over team strategy, player dynamics, and Gill’s captaincy decisions. Here’s how Sundar turned the narrative on its head with grit, skill, and perfect timing.
Washington Sundar
India’s fourth Test against England in Manchester took an unexpected turn when senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja publicly expressed frustration at teammate Washington Sundar, and captain Shubman Gill kept the spinner out of action for the first 68 overs of the innings. However, Sundar had the last word with a stunning comeback.
The moment of tension unfolded during the 54th over of England’s innings when a miscommunication between Joe Root and Ollie Pope presented India with a golden run-out opportunity. Mohammed Siraj forced an awkward response from Root with a bouncy delivery. Pope sprinted for a single, but Root hesitated. Jadeja, stationed in the infield, made a direct hit attempt—but missed the stumps by a fair margin. Yet, it was the lack of support behind the stumps that irked Jadeja.
Washington Sundar, positioned at mid-on, failed to back up the throw. Jadeja didn’t hold back, visibly lashing out at the youngster for his lack of alertness.
Despite being part of the playing XI, Sundar remained a spectator for most of the day. Captain Shubman Gill kept the off-spinner out of the attack for 68 overs, even as England piled on the runs. It wasn’t until the 69th over that Sundar finally got the ball—this after watching Root and Pope calmly accumulate runs with little resistance.
Sundar managed four overs before the lunch break, conceding 19 runs. While he didn’t strike immediately, he did generate enough drift and turn to keep the slip cordon alert.
Washington Sundar
Experts Slam Gill’s Tactical Call
The decision to sideline Washington Sundar sparked criticism from former cricketers, with Sanjay Manjrekar, Stuart Broad, Ravi Shastri, and Jonathan Trott all questioning Gill’s tactics during the lunch break broadcast. Manjrekar noted that head coach Gautam Gambhir, too, should share the responsibility, stating that a young captain like Gill likely needed more guidance.
It remains unclear whether the team management responded to the mounting criticism, but India started the second session with Sundar back in the attack. And the off-spinner responded emphatically.
Sundar struck with the very first breakthrough after lunch. Ollie Pope was caught pushing at a delivery drifting away, edging it to KL Rahul at first slip. The 144-run partnership between Pope and Root was broken. Just four overs later, Sundar struck again. Harry Brook misjudged a delivery while charging down the pitch. Sundar adjusted the length, allowing enough time for the ball to spin past Brook. Substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel completed an easy stumping as Brook departed for just 3.
The double strike turned the tide briefly and justified Sundar’s selection after his impressive four-wicket haul in the previous Test at Lord’s.
Washington Sundar
England Dominate, Gill Under Fire Again
Day 3 of the Manchester Test saw England tighten their grip with a commanding total of 544/7, gaining a 186-run lead. Joe Root was the star of the show, crafting a sublime 150 that not only extended England’s advantage but also propelled him past Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
While England celebrated a record-breaking day, India found itself amid a growing tactical crisis—none more debated than captain Shubman Gill’s puzzling decision to ignore Washington Sundar for three full sessions.
Despite picking up four wickets at Lord’s, Washington Sundar didn’t bowl a single delivery as England’s top and middle order—Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Root, and Ben Stokes—built a solid foundation. With Ravindra Jadeja the only frontline spinner in the squad, Gill’s refusal to use Sundar on a pitch offering grip and variable bounce left fans and analysts baffled.
The issue became a central talking point after the day’s play. On the JioHotstar post-match show, Sanjay Manjrekar posed tough questions.
“Can we assume these decisions were entirely Gill’s? At this stage, he should be getting inputs from the support staff. Or has his recent form made everyone step back, thinking he’s in the zone?” Manjrekar questioned.
As India prepares for Day 4 with England holding a firm advantage, the pressure mounts on Shubman Gill—not just for the scoreboard, but for the mounting scrutiny around his leadership decisions.