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"Honestly Don't Know...": Ponting Slams Shubman Gill For Not Trusting Sundar

Akshita Patel

Shubman Gill slammed for late use of Washington Sundar [Source: @Jay_Cricket12, @SPORTYVISHAL/X.com]Shubman Gill slammed for late use of Washington Sundar [Source: @Jay_Cricket12, @SPORTYVISHAL/X.com]

Shubman Gill has come under criticism during the ongoing fourth Test between India and England in Manchester, especially from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. The legendary cricketer questioned Gill’s captaincy decision to delay using off-spinner Washington Sundar, who was one of India’s best bowlers in the previous match at Lord’s.

Despite Sundar taking four wickets in the last Test, he was not brought into the bowling attack until the 69th over in England’s first innings. By then, the hosts had already posted a massive score of 305/2 in reply to India’s 358. 

Ricky Ponting Baffled By Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Tactics

Washington Sundar, however, made an instant impact by taking two quick wickets, leading many to wonder why captain Shubman Gill waited so long to use him. 

Speaking on Sky Sports after day 3's play, Ricky Ponting said instead of opening the attack with Shardul Thakur on Day 3, Gill should’ve used Sundar, as he could have benefited from drift.

"I honestly don't know why he (Gill) has done that. He went to Shardul straight up this morning when he could have gone straight to Washington Sundar for one or two then. He had immediate success with just drift." Ponting said.

Ponting added that Sundar didn’t leak many runs either, which made it even more confusing why he was held back. 

"He also didn't leak runs like their other bowlers. So knowing you've got someone that is consistent when you are worried about the game slipping away from you, he could have been someone, even if he didn't take wickets, could have tied up that one end and then rotate the quicks through the other," he added.

Washington Sundar ended the day with figures of 2/57 in 19 overs and was easily the most economical bowler for India. His calm control and ability to create pressure stood out in a situation where most Indian bowlers were struggling.

India Stand On The Brink Of Humiliating Loss

On Day 3 of the Manchester Test, India’s bowling attack looked listless and clueless. Fast bowlers saw a massive dip in pace, with debutant Anshul Kamboj unable to go beyond 125-130 kph, which is way below international standards. 

India has no answer to England’s attack, with Joe Root slamming 150 off 248 balls. Despite breakthroughs, India allowed the hosts to rebuild partnerships. The new ball also proved to be ineffective, and by the end of the day’s play, England had a 186-run lead. With 2 days left in the match, India’s comeback is more or less unlikely, and a defeat here would cost the visitors the series.