England’s five-wicket victory over India in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, served as a harsh reality check for Shubman Gill, the skipper and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite five Indian batters scoring centuries, India failed to defend a substantial target of 371 runs, as England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley dominated on Day 5. Duckett’s aggressive 149-run knock proved decisive in shifting the momentum in England’s favour.
The match, which had been largely in India’s control over the first four days, slipped away dramatically on the final day. It brought major concerns to the forefront—particularly around fielding, bowling support, and team selection.
“There will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner” – Gavaskar
Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar offered a straightforward assessment of the defeat and recommended a key change for the second Test.
“Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team. I do believe that he should come into the team for Shardul Thakur because the Birmingham pitch will be one where there will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner,” he told the broadcasters.
Gavaskar also hinted at other possible changes if India fails to bounce back in the next match.
“If things don’t go well in the second test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair). I don’t want to drop them at the moment. Then I’d also look at Washington (Sundar), so that it really gives you a more solid batting, and also get a little more variety as far the bowling is concerned,” he added.
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