On a day England piled on the runs and seized control at Old Trafford, the biggest talking point wasn’t Joe Root’s century, it was Shubman Gill’s captaincy. While Washington Sundar picked up two key wickets late in the session, questions are being raised: why was he handed just 3 overs out of the first 73?

Washington Sundar Arrives, But Too Late
India watched England dominate with the bat. For nearly six hours, no one turned to Washington Sundar. When he was finally given the ball, he removed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, two set batters, in just 11 overs, conceding only 30 runs with three maidens.
The damage, however, was done. England had already secured a lead. The match, and possibly the series, tilted away from India.


Gill’s Inexperience, A Costly Error
Captain Shubman Gill looked flat. His bowlers lacked intensity. His field placements lacked intent. And his biggest miss was under-bowling the only off-spinner in the team on a pitch that offered turn and bounce.
England raced ahead. Joe Root capitalized. Shubman Gill watched.
This wasn’t just a tactical error, it was a leadership failure.

Also read : Series on the Line: Can India Flip the Script on Day 3? https://clickingtosports.com/india-england-test-day-3-bumrah-siraj-virat-mentality/

Bumrah Looks Tired, Siraj Out of Rhythm
India’s pace spearheads looked blunt. Jasprit Bumrah seemed far from fully fit, and Mohammed Siraj struggled with line and control. Debutant Anshul Kamboj leaked runs, Jadeja didn’t get the turn and Lord Shardul’s short bursts didn’t trouble England at all.

Yet despite all this, Sundar, who brought India its only real breakthroughs, was kept waiting for too long.


Gambhir’s Risky XI Backfires
India’s decision to stack up with all-rounders over specialists is now backfiring. Gautam Gambhir’s call to ignore Kuldeep Yadav and go in with a mix of bits-and-pieces players has drawn criticism. None of the seam-bowling all-rounders have made an impact with bat or ball.
Even as Washington Sundar proves his worth, the question remains: Why was he kept away from the attack so long?


Can India Fight Back or Is This Slipping Away?
India need a spark. Not just with the ball, but mentally. The attack has looked toothless. The captain looks uncertain. And the coaching staff’s choices are now under the scanner.

If Gill and co don’t find their fire fast, this Test and the serie, might slip beyond reach.

Also read : Root surpasses Ponting to become the second-highest run-getter in Tests https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/eng-vs-ind-2025-joe-root-surpasses-ricky-ponting-to-become-the-second-highest-run-getter-in-test-cricket-1496721