Rahane also backed left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for inclusion, should conditions and injuries call for changes. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Manchester Test, Rahane believes Arshdeep is well-suited to step in, particularly given the English conditions
Photo: AFP
Former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane offered key leadership advice to current skipper Shubman Gill ahead of India’s crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, beginning July 23, urging Gill to 'trust his bowlers' and remain proactive in his captaincy approach as India look to level the series.
“Every captain has a unique style, but it’s important to be proactive, stay a step ahead of the opposition. Trusting your bowlers, backing their plans, and creating opportunities constantly is key. Gill will learn with time, but he must focus on attacking the game," said Rahane, who famously led India to a historic 2-1 series win in Australia in 2020-21.
Speaking during a Q&A session on his YouTube channel, Rahane also backed left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for inclusion, should conditions and injuries call for changes. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Manchester Test, Rahane believes Arshdeep is well-suited to step in, particularly given the English conditions.
“If Bumrah is not available, I think Arshdeep is the ideal replacement,” said Rahane. “In England, you need a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball both ways. His angle creates rough patches which can assist the spinners later. He adds variety and can trouble batters with that different angle.”
Arshdeep, who is India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, has impressed in the longer format as well. In 21 first-class matches, he has picked up 66 wickets at an average of 30.37, including a best of 6/40. The left-armer also had a productive stint with Kent in the 2023 County Championship, claiming 13 wickets in five games.
Rahane also threw his weight behind Kuldeep Yadav, provided the pitch in Manchester resembles the dry and flat surfaces seen in the previous matches of the series. “If the wicket is similar to the ones we've seen so far, Kuldeep should definitely play,” Rahane asserted. “You need bowlers who can take wickets. Even if the batting doesn’t give you 30 extra runs, a bowler who can break partnerships is vital. You can’t always rely on fast bowlers. Kuldeep offers that variation and can be your strike option on unresponsive tracks.”
Despite limited opportunities in red-ball cricket, Kuldeep boasts an impressive Test record. Since his debut in 2017, he has taken 56 wickets in just 13 matches at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls. Against England, he has picked up 21 wickets in six Tests at 22.28.
(With ANI inputs)
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