India captain Shubman Gill justified his decision to pick Washington Sundar over wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the Edgbaston Test against England, citing the need for batting depth on flat pitches after India’s lower-order collapses in Leeds, PTI reports. The move paid dividends as Sundar’s all-round contribution helped India level the series with a commanding 336-run victory, setting the stage for the upcoming Lord’s Test.

“It’s tempting to play a bowler like Kuldeep, but Washington gives us batting depth,” Gill said post-match, highlighting the crucial 100-plus run partnership between himself and Sundar that stretched India’s lead to 180 runs. “A 70-80 run lead feels psychologically different,” he added. Gill’s strategy also leaned on spinners for control on a fifth-day pitch where the Dukes ball softened, offering little movement except from the rough. “Spin gives more control than pace on flat wickets,” he explained, defending the inclusion of Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.

Gill emphasized the importance of restricting runs during the 30-70 over phase when the ball and pitch offer little. “Stopping runs builds pressure, especially before the second new ball,” he said, admitting a tactical risk of using short-pitched bowling when England were 83-5 backfired, leaking runs but not derailing India’s dominance. Reflecting on ending India’s 50-year winless streak at Edgbaston, Gill dismissed historical stats, saying, “This is the best Indian team with the capability to win the series here.”

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On his own form, Gill, who has smashed 585 runs in four innings, credited technical work started during the IPL for his success. “I focus on batting as long as possible, not on perceptions,” he said, shrugging off external praise as he eyes more records.

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