(Image source from: x.com/ajinkyarahane88)
With the Indian cricket team trailing 1-2 after the first three contests in the 5-Test series, many considerations are being made before the clash in Manchester. The last match concluded with a competitive spirit, which might have favored India, prompting discussions about alterations in the playing XI. Experienced Indian player Ajinkya Rahane, who is not part of the squad for the England tour, has encouraged head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to make a significant adjustment by bringing in an additional bowler. While Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep served as the primary seamers at Lord’s, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy filled the all-rounder roles. Nevertheless, Rahane advocates for the inclusion of another specialist bowler.
"We all understand that batting becomes a bit tougher on Day 4 and 5. Scoring runs isn't simple. Yes, England bowled exceptionally well. However, I believe India missed a chance to build a substantial score during the first innings. Furthermore, I think India should aim to include one more bowler, as winning a Test match or a series requires taking 20 wickets," Rahane stated on his YouTube channel. Although Gautam Gambhir’s preference for all-rounders is well-known, discussions about potentially dropping Nitish Reddy from the team have arisen since the third Test. Should he be excluded, the team might consider adding Kuldeep Yadav for the match in Manchester. Rahane also praised England’s captain Ben Stokes for the effort he showcased on the field, particularly with the ball.
"It’s quite easy for fielders to become complacent," Rahane observed. "When there are just two or three balls left before lunch, it can be tempting to relax. But his focus on the ball, his energy, and making that run-out—this is where I felt England really got into the match". After their loss in the second Test in Birmingham, England raised their game at Lord's. Rahane was genuinely impressed with the collective performance of the home team in that match. "That’s what we want to see in Test cricket—all 11 players working together and striving to win the Test match," he remarked.
