Ashwin Criticizes Gill, Tactics in Oval Test
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticized India’s tactical decisions during the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. Speaking on his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin pointed out that a lack of game awareness and poor decisions, especially during England’s chase of 374, have cost India key moments in the series.
Ashwin expressed frustration over how India handled the Harry Brook and Joe Root partnership, which added 195 runs for the fourth wicket. According to him, India missed a crucial opportunity by not introducing Washington Sundar earlier in the attack to stem the flow of runs. He believes this misstep allowed England to take control and put the hosts on the brink of winning the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 3-1.
“I feel Shubman Gill will improve as a captain. But when you believe you play spin well, sometimes you hesitate to bring on spinners. That delay makes the spinner a defensive option instead of an attacking one,” Ashwin said.
‘Such Mistakes Shouldn’t Happen Today,’ Says Ashwin
Ashwin also called out India’s general approach, including Gautam Gambhir’s strategic inputs, for lacking sharpness. He emphasized that in modern-day cricket, these errors in judgment can be costly. “We don’t know what’s being said in the dressing room or what messages are being sent, but mistakes like these are avoidable in today’s era,” he said.
He noted that out of the 76.2 overs bowled in England’s second innings, only 8 came from spinners—four each from Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. In contrast, during the first innings, Sundar wasn’t given a single over, and Jadeja bowled just two. Ashwin insisted that Sundar’s inclusion could have choked the run flow and shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
Heading into Day 5, England need 35 runs to win with four wickets in hand, while India needs a miracle to level the series. Regardless of the result, Ashwin’s comments have sparked a discussion about India’s decision-making and on-field leadership.
