ENG vs IND 2025: Shubman Gill Justifies Decision to Pick Washington Over Kuldeep

After India defeated England by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, tying the five-match series 1-1 and achieving a historic first-ever Test victory at the legendary stadium, captain Shubman Gill praised Akash Deep's performance. Gill cited Akash Deep's explosive performance on Day 4, when he got rid of England batsmen Ben Duckett and Joe Root, at the press conference held after the game. Gill revealed, "Yesterday, I think, getting through the top order is never easy."

He further added, "The spell of Akash Deep, how he got those two wickets, kind of gave the confidence to everyone that we can win this Test match and when he came in this morning with the ball hitting the cracks, yes, the ball was seaming, the odd ball seaming, that's what really instilled the confidence in all of the players that, yes, we can do it."

Shubman Gill Drops Statement:

Indian captain Shubman Gill claims that Sundar's all-around performance—which included a crucial 42 runs in the first innings and the dismissal of England captain Ben Stokes in the second—justified his selection. Gill explained the team's tactical decision to use a finger spinner, pointing out that subcontinent-style conditions require depth and control.

Chetan Sharma's long-standing record of the best bowling stats by an Indian in a Test match in England (10/188) was broken by Akash Deep, who returned with incredible match figures of 10/187 (4/88 and 6/99). The choice of Washington Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav, which caused some controversy prior to the game, was another tactical blunder that paid off for India. In his response to the ruling, Gill emphasised the importance of batting control and depth in spinning situations.

The Bihar native's impact, especially his pivotal breakthroughs on Day 4, when he dismissed important top-order batsmen Ben Duckett and Joe Root, delighted Gill. Deep was crucial to India's historic victory, finishing with remarkable match figures of 10 for 187 (4/88 in the first innings and 6/99 in the second).

He said, "Yesterday, I think, getting through the top order is never easy. The spell of Akash Deep, how he got those two wickets, kind of gave the confidence to everyone that we can win this Test match and when he came in this morning with the ball hitting the cracks, yes, the ball was seaming, the odd ball seaming, that's what really instilled the confidence in all of the players that, yes, we can do it."

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