R Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill’s commitment to take 20 wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin questioned India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test captain Shubman Gill’s commitment to take 20 wickets in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

The Indian pacers, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, failed to use the conditions to their advantage, in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, while Ravindra Jadeja drew criticism for his inability to exploit the rough outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the second innings.

Many experts have called for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test, which takes place at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting on Wednesday, July 2. Ashwin also supported this idea, asserting that Kuldeep will not let the England tailenders score too many runs like they did in the first Test. The former India off-spinner also believes that the 30-year-old has the ability to win India two-three Tests in the series.

“There is a serious question of Gambhir and Gill’s commitment to take 20 wickets. This Test will show us. If you are seriously committed, Kuldeep gets a look-in,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“Kuldeep Yadav has to play. If there is not much grass, Kuldeep has to play. Drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep has to play. If he does play, the England tail also won’t score many runs. Kuldeep would help you win two-three Tests in the series as he would create problems,” he added.

Kuldeep hasn’t played a Test match for India since October 2024. He couldn’t make it to the playing XI in the first Test as India decided to play Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spin-bowling option. However, if reports from recent practice sessions are to be believed, Kuldeep is going to start at Edgbaston.

It is important to note that India’s record is dismal in Tests in Edgbaston. Since 1967, the Indian team has played eight Tests against England. The Asian giants have lost seven out of those games, while one ended in a draw. Shubman Gill and Co. have a chance to create history as they could be the first Indian side to win a Test match at Edgbaston.