Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian Test team, has hinted at the possibility of India fielding two spinners in the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston. This strategic consideration arises from the atypical weather conditions in England and a desire to improve the team's ability to contain runs, particularly in the later stages of an innings.
Gill addressed the media ahead of the second Test, stating that the decision to include an extra spinner wasn't taken lightly. He acknowledged that England doesn't typically see teams playing two spinners, but the current weather, characterized by less rain and more heat, makes it a viable option. He also reflected on the first Test at Leeds, where he felt that an additional spinner in the fourth innings could have shifted the game's momentum. Gill noted that the wicket in Leeds had patches that could have been exploited by spin, and Ravindra Jadeja's bowling created chances.
The rationale behind considering two spinners stems from the belief that spinners can be more effective at containing runs than fast bowlers, especially when the ball gets older and stops swinging. Gill elaborated that if the fast bowlers aren't creating enough opportunities, a second spinner could help to stem the run flow until the second new ball arrives, potentially creating more chances for the pacers.
However, Gill also pointed out the challenges of managing a second spinner, especially if India bowls first. He emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between bat and ball, aiming for batting depth up to number seven or eight. He cautioned that extending the batting lineup to number nine could compromise the team's ability to take 20 wickets.
The selection dilemma revolves around choosing the right combination from the available spin options. Besides Ravindra Jadeja, the team has Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Kuldeep offers a potentially attacking option, while Sundar provides control and contributes with the bat.
Gill also revealed that he had spoken to players who were part of the 2018 and 2021 series in England to understand how the behavior of the Dukes ball has evolved. These players indicated that the ball in those series behaved differently, with the current ball tending to soften after 40 overs, making it harder for pacers to extract movement and create chances. Gill said, "I have spoken to some of the players who were part of the 2018-19 series and they said the balls were slightly different in that series. Even in the 2021 series as well, the ball was doing a little bit more".
Ultimately, the decision to play two spinners will depend on a final assessment of the Edgbaston pitch and the team management's strategy for balancing attack and control. Gill emphasized the importance of taking 20 wickets while also maintaining a competitive batting lineup. Whether India opts for the two-spinner strategy remains to be seen, but Gill's comments suggest a willingness to adapt to the conditions and explore different options to achieve the desired result.
