Challenges to India's Bowling Strategy: Gambhir and Rohit Confronted After Wholesome Changes in Playing XI

Sundar put up a stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy Group D match, impressively scoring 152 runs against Delhi and also taking six wickets in the match. However, there is a concern from Doull regarding Sundar's inclusion, as he believes it might indicate a lack of faith in Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite Ashwin's rare flop show in the first Test where he picked up just 1 wicket for 100 runs, it is certain that Ashwin will bounce back and will not be left out of the team for another game.

"Washington Sundar… he's done well in domestic cricket, scoring a hundred and taking wickets as well. Does that tell us how Ashwin bowled in the first Test? Ashwin is a genuine world great but by bringing in another off-spinner, are you saying that he didn't bowl as well in the first Test match? Don't worry; that won't happen. He isn't going to go two Test matches without bowling well," Doull said during a discussion with Anil Kumble on Jio Cinema just before the start of play.

Another big takeaway from India's Playing XI in Pune was the decision to stick with Sarfaraz Khan with Shubman Gill coming in. KL Rahul was expected to be persisted with despite scores of 0 and 12 in the previous Test, more so given the backing he received from Gambhir on the eve of the Test match; however, the eventual outcome was totally different altogether, with him getting dropped and India going ahead with both Sarfaraz and Gill.

"It does surprise me a little bit. I heard the press conference, it was all about backing players, backing your abilities and knowing what they do. And all of a sudden after one Test, you're saying that the guy who was good enough for the first Test, isn't good enough for the second. Yes, the young man has knocked the door down with a big 150. That's fine; but all of a sudden, you're not backing the guy you did for Test number one," mentioned Doull.

Doull's sentiments were echoed by former India spinner, captain and coach Kumble, who said: "I am really surprised that India had to make three changes and the fact that Washington Sundar has come in and straightaway got into the Playing XI".