Following India's disappointing defeat in the first Test against England at Leeds, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for a potential shake-up in the team if the second Test in Birmingham goes awry. Gavaskar didn't mince words while critiquing India's performance, particularly their fielding, which he deemed "not Test class". He highlighted dropped catches and sloppy outfielding as major contributors to the loss, arguing that these errors cost India crucial runs and allowed England to maintain confidence despite India's five centuries in the match.
Gavaskar's sharp assessment extends beyond just one Test. He emphasized the need for serious practice and preparation ahead of the second Test, urging the team to move away from optional training sessions and adopt a more purposeful approach. He even referenced past experiences with Cheteshwar Pujara, where he felt the coaching staff sometimes discouraged dedicated practice. Gavaskar stressed that playing for India demands the best possible preparation, and optional sessions might not suffice.
In light of the Leeds defeat, Gavaskar has suggested that the selectors should consider other options if the batting lineup fails to deliver in the second Test. Among the names he mentioned are Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair.
Sai Sudharsan, a young left-handed batsman from Tamil Nadu, has been making waves in Indian cricket. Born on October 15, 2001, Sudharsan has already represented India in both One Day Internationals and T20Is. He plays for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2025 IPL season, Sudharsan won the Orange Cap award for most runs scored. His domestic record is also impressive, with consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has been described as a "revelation" and is known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to build partnerships.
Karun Nair, on the other hand, is a more experienced player who recently made a comeback to the Indian Test squad after a long hiatus. The 33-year-old right-handed batsman is known for being only the second Indian, after Virender Sehwag, to score a triple century in Test cricket, achieving the feat in 2016 against England. However, despite this historic achievement, Nair's career has been marked by periods of exclusion from the national team. In recent years, Nair has been playing domestic cricket for Vidarbha, where he has enjoyed a resurgence in form. His stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, including multiple centuries, have reignited his international aspirations. Nair has also had stints in English County cricket, which he believes has helped him develop his game and adapt to different conditions. His journey back to the Indian team is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Gavaskar's suggestion to include Sudharsan and Nair highlights the need for India to have backup options ready. The Indian team needs to address their fielding lapses and batting inconsistencies to bounce back in the series. With the second Test approaching, the pressure is on the team to perform and avoid a major overhaul.
