“Shubman made the call” - Team India bowling coach reveals decision behind holding back Washington Sundar

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has opened up on the reason why the Indian Test captain Shubman Gill didn’t bring in Washington Sundar early to the attack on the third day of the ongoing Manchester Test.

Interestingly, Sundar was brought to bowl in the 69th over of the first innings, which created a ruckus among the Indian cricketing fans. However, Morkel stated that it was solely Gill’s decision.

“Shubman made the call to stick longer with the seam options. In the first couple of days, we saw the ball was seaming and moving around. Pace on the ball was the way to go. Then, when we got out opportunity to bowl, we missed our lengths. When he got the opportunity with ball in hand today, Washi did a great job for us,” said Morkel at the post-day press conference.

Also, the former Indian batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar slammed Gill for not introducing Sundar early in the attack. Interestingly, Sundar scalped the wickets of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook after coming to bowl on Day 3.

Furthermore, he also asserted that it was just hard to understand Gill’s decision as he has players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah to give him a piece of advice.

“Can we assume that these decisions were taken solely by Shubman Gill? At this stage of his career, you’d expect him to get some inputs… or considering he has done so well as a batter, everybody has withdrawn, saying ‘this guy is getting into the zone’,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.

“Because I can’t see everyone agreeing to this kind of move. Bumrah, KL Rahul, or a Gambhir thinking Washi should not be bowled… come what may,” said Manjrekar further, mincing no words.

“That he [Gill] went to Washington Sundar post 60 overs was just hard to understand. This is a guy who has just given you a reminder in the last Test match by getting four wickets. Also, when the second new ball was due, I just saw his keenness to go to the second new ball quickly. There was Ben Stokes out there clearly not comfortable against spin.

“It almost like he goes to spin reluctantly and even when they deliver, he’s not keen to stay with them,” Manjrekar added.

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