Ajinkya Rahane Urges Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to Revamp India’s Playing XI for Manchester Test

Ajinkya Rahane stressed the importance of adding an extra bowler to India’s Test squad to boost their chances of winning in Manchester after the Lord’s defeat.

Ajinkya Rahane Urges India to Add an Extra Bowler for Remaining Tests

Ajinkya Rahane, who famously led India to a historic Test series win in Australia during Virat Kohli’s absence in 2020-21, has suggested a tactical change for the ongoing series against England. Rahane, currently in England and present at Lord’s, advised head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to include an additional specialist bowler in the XI for the last two Tests.

After losing the opening Test at Headingley, India opted for a batting-heavy lineup with multiple all-rounders to strengthen both departments. Despite this, they fell short in the Lord’s Test, failing to chase 193 despite contributions from Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar.

Rahane stressed that taking 20 wickets is key to winning a Test series and recommended adding another bowling option alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj.

“Day 4 and 5 are always challenging for batting. India missed an opportunity to post a big first-innings score at Lord’s. Going forward, India should add one extra bowler because winning a Test or a series depends on taking 20 wickets,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

Head coach Gambhir has favored an all-rounder-heavy approach, which has delivered results in T20s but hasn’t yet translated into consistent success in Test cricket.

Who can be the extra bowler Rahane is talking about?

The most obvious choice for India’s extra bowler is Kuldeep Yadav. However, the key question remains—who will make way for him? Washington Sundar impressed with four wickets in the second innings at Lord’s, while Nitish Reddy contributed three wickets in the match, strengthening their cases.

India could also opt for an additional seamer, but that decision will hinge on pitch conditions and the team’s willingness to compromise on batting depth.

Rahane reflects on India’s defeat at Lord’s

Ajinkya Rahane lauded Ben Stokes for a spectacular fielding effort that shifted the momentum of the Lord’s Test in England’s favor. The incident occurred just before lunch when Stokes attacked the ball, collected it one-handed, and executed a sharp throw at the non-striker’s end to effect a crucial run-out.

“It’s very easy for a fielder to relax with only two or three balls left before lunch. But his attitude, intensity, and that run-out changed the game. That’s where I felt England came into the contest,” Rahane said.

At the time, India was cruising at around 40 for 1, but soon after Karun Nair’s LBW dismissal and the run-out, the momentum swung dramatically. Rahane noted that England’s bowlers tightened their lines, the fielding intensity rose, and the team displayed great character.

“That’s what you want in Test cricket — all 11 fielders working together to win the match,” he added.

Although India fought back later, Rahane admitted the team fell short of converting their chances. He praised the first-innings partnership between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant but conceded that India ended up 75–100 runs short, which ultimately cost them the game.

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