Day 5 of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston was filled with drama, not just on the field but also in the commentary box. Former India coach Ravi Shastri raised eyebrows when he questioned Shubman Gill's captaincy early in the day, specifically Gill's decision to open the bowling with Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna instead of Mohammed Siraj. Shastri, on commentary duty, voiced his surprise that Siraj, the senior-most bowler and highest wicket-taker in the game, was stationed at mid-on while his "junior partners" began the attack.

Shastri's concern stemmed from the critical situation India faced. With rain having already washed out over an hour of play, India needed quick breakthroughs to secure the seven remaining wickets and level the series. Shastri felt Siraj's experience and proven wicket-taking ability made him the ideal choice to lead the charge. He expressed that Siraj would be "itching to get the ball" and capitalize on the pressure.

However, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and Akash Deep promptly proved Shastri wrong. In the fourth over of the day, Deep induced an edge from Ollie Pope, with the ball deflecting off Pope's elbow onto the stumps. The breakthrough sent Deep into a celebratory frenzy, leaping into the arms of his teammates. Just a few overs later, Deep struck again, trapping Harry Brook in front of the stumps. The ball nipped back sharply, catching Brook off guard and further bolstering India's position.

Deep's early heroics vindicated Gill's decision and showcased the young captain's faith in his bowler. Deep, who replaced Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI for this Test, ensured that India didn't miss their pace spearhead. By lunch on Day 5, Deep had already taken two wickets, adding to his impressive tally from the previous day, where he dismissed Joe Root with a stunning delivery.

The wickets of Pope and Brook, courtesy of Akash Deep, left England reeling at 83/5, still needing over 500 runs to win. Despite a 70-run stand between Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith, Washington Sundar dismissed Stokes on the final over before Lunch, putting India right on top. The pressure was mounting, and India edged closer to victory with each passing over.

While Shastri's initial skepticism was understandable given Siraj's seniority and form, Gill's bold call to trust Akash Deep paid off handsomely. This incident highlights the dynamic nature of cricket captaincy, where decisions are often based on gut feeling and a belief in the players at hand. Shubman Gill's gamble, though questioned initially, proved to be a masterstroke, showcasing his potential as a future leader in Indian cricket.