Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes India should back Washington Sundar ahead of Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test match against England. Pathan said Sundar should replace Shardul Thakur in the playing XI and the Tamil Nadu all-rounder would help India in avoiding batting collapses.
Thakur was dismissed after scoring a single run when he went for a booming drive but could only find an outside edge. The right-hander could only manage four runs in the second essay.
Surprisingly, Gill gave only six overs to Thakur, in which he conceded 38 runs and went wicketless in England’s first innings. The right-arm medium pacer picked two wickets in the second essay but he was expensive once again.
On the other hand, Kuldeep can be a wicket-taking option but Sundar is a better batsman than the wrist spinner.
“It was definitely disappointing the way Shardul Thakur bowled. It was his first game. He was making a comeback after a long time. It’s not easy, and he wasn’t used as much as he should have been with the ball. He could have been introduced a little earlier. You don’t see that much zip in his bowling with a very old ball,” Pathan said on his YouTube Channel.
“There were many factors, but the most disappointing thing I found was that he cannot let the collapse happen if he is batting at No. 8. Since Shardul didn’t look that comfortable while batting, the Indian team have the option of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Your batting will get lengthened if you play Washington Sundar at No. 8. The collapse won’t happen,” he added.
Pathan highlighted that Sundar is a better batsman than Thakur and the visitors need to strengthen their batting unit.
“You will expect at least 15 to 20 runs from him. He should give more as he is a better batsman than Shardul. So, in my opinion, you should play Washington Sundar at No. 8. The Indian team can control the collapses to a large extent. England’s bowling will keep getting better. So you will have to lengthen your batting,” he observed.
On the other hand, Pathan backed Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection for the second Test after the all-rounder impressed on the Australian tour.
“When the Test series was about to start, I had said that you should play Nitish Kumar Reddy. Firstly, he had performed in Australia. You shouldn’t forget that. He had scored a century and batted well with the tail. He bowls medium fast. He might give you eight to 10 overs, but, going forward, if he plays regularly and gives you 15 overs, you will get a batter who can play as a fourth fast bowler overseas,” he reasoned.
The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.
