JOIN USBecause of the way he batted: Sunil Gavaskar impressed by Washington Sundar's performance in first Test
After the historic triumph in Australia, India received a sudden jolt in the first Test match of their home season.
India lost the first Test of the four-match series against England in Chennai by a massive margin of 227 runs. The defeat has raised some questions about the team selection and former opener Sunil Gavaskar believes that the team management might change the playing XI in the second Test.
In a conversation with Star Sports, he said, “What we heard at the press conference, there could be possible just one change. I can’t see too many changes happening because ‘too many changes’ is a sign of panic. And there is no need to panic.”
Despite the defeat, the brilliance of the youngsters like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar has impressed everyone and Gavaskar has been particularly smitten by Sundar who he thinks won't be dropped for the second Test.
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He said, “This is a very good team. This team was outplayed and it can happen. Yes, we talked about how the toss was important because you get to bat on good pitches which are much better than on the fourth and the fifth day. So, there could be just one change but Washington Sundar is not going to be that change.”
He explained why Sundar won't be dropped and also added how he can improve his bowling. He said, "Because of the way he has batted. Maybe, he might get to bowl a little bit more. He’s is more a T20 type of a bowler because he bowls flat, flat, flat and doesn’t really give the ball much air as Ashwin does. But it’s something that he can always, in the company of Ashwin sitting and talking to him more -both are Chennai boys - learn and can get better at. So, he definitely will be there. Who goes out that, we’ll have to wait and see.”
The second Test between India and England will start from February 13 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.