As India went into the second Test against England on Wednesday without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, former players and coaches questioned the thinking behind resting the world's best bowler when they trail 0-1 in the series.
Shubman Gill had fired a verbal salvo at Zak Crawley during the Lord's Test after he and his opening partner Ben Duckett arrived 90 seconds late to the crease.
India will ponder whether they want to include Washington Sundar, who is quite handy with the bat or Kuldeep Yadav, who is a much better wicket-taking option.
Karun Nair has managed only 131 runs across six innings at a below-par average of 21.83, in the first three Tests against England.
Star batter Shubman Gill was on Saturday named captain of the Indian Test squad for the upcoming five-match away series against England, signaling the start of a new era in Indian red-ball cricket.
Patidar crossed the landmark in just 30 innings, sitting just behind Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudharsan, who achieved the feat in 25.
Even as the conditions changed, bright sunshine alternating with gloom, the Indian batters gritted their teeth and fought it out.
Gujarat Titans roared back to winning ways with a 38-run mauling of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes India is in "safe hands" and has "enough talent" to trounce England, but it will all come down to how the young-looking squad will leave a mark in the series on a territory known for being "tough".
Former India speedster Varun Aaron has praised Gujarat Titans' young opener Sai Sudharsan's exceptional performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, saying he has a very bright future ahead of him.
The usually mobbed Indian cricket team likes training in a relaxed atmosphere and that was evident in their body language as the players went about their business in their only practice session at the Kent County Cricket Ground before the fourth Test in Manchester.
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In a video shared on BCCI's X handle, the playing were seen performing intense drills as they prepped ahead of the opening Test against England.
India's Test team has entered a bold new era - one without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Ravichandran Ashwin - and the message from new head coach Gautam Gambhir is clear: it's time to fight, not just play.
Going into the penultimate game of the rubber, the pressing question is whether to tweak their conservative approach and bolster the spin department by playing left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav at the cost of a spin all-rounder.
Was it complacency or a case of easing off after securing qualification?
Despite having an impeccable domestic record and a decent start to his international career, he was not picked for the England tour as selectors preferred Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair over him.
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'There is no question on the value that he brings to the side. But the management and board need to discuss how to use him...'
Engineer surprised by Kuldeep's omission from 1st Test, says he should be playing all matches
The squad also features Karun Nair, who returns to the national set up after a long gap of eight years.
T Dilip reappointed as India fielding coach for England tour; Gill, Sudharsan may miss warm-ups
Nick Knight has high expectations from the likes of Kuldeep and Sai Sudharsan who is expected to make his Test debut at Leeds, the venue for the series opener.
India pacer Akash Deep was on Tuesday ruled out of the fourth Test against England due to a groin injury, and captain Shubman Gill said uncapped fast bowler Anshul Kamboj is close to making his debut at Old Trafford.
Pace great James Anderson believes the new-look Indian team will prove to be a strong opposition for England in the upcoming five-Test series.
'We obviously want to wheel him in, but we also want to respect where his body's at, and on the basis of that, we just felt that it wasn't worth including him in the squad.'
In a format often dominated by innovation and brute force, Gujarat Titans' Subhman Gill and Sai Sudharsan once again reminded the fans that proper cricketing shots still thrive in the hustle of modern T20 cricket.
India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is up and running in Beckenham, putting in the hard yards before the upcoming five high-stakes Tests against England, slated to kick off on June 20 at Headingley.
Gill and Jaiswal centuries put India in control of series opener against England
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Sai Sudharsan's classy fifty combined with a collective bowling effort powered Gujarat Titans to a commanding 58-run win over Rajasthan Royals.
'Captaincy for India is slightly different to captaining a franchise or any state side; it comes with its own responsibilities and the pressure.'
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 1st Test between England and India at Headingley in Leeds on Friday
Gujarat Titans will aim to tighten their grip on the top spot and move closer to securing a play-off berth when they take on a faltering Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League match in Jaipur on Monday.
The retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin has opened the door for other spin all-rounders to step up, and Vidyut is confident that Washington Sundar could be the one to watch.
Shahrukh Khan looked in touch as he stroked a quickfire half-century against LSG in a boost for Gujarat Titans ahead of the playoffs.
England head coach Brendon McCullum believes India have arrived well-prepared and full of belief for the upcoming five-match Test series
How the Indian players fared in the five-Test series in England.
'It's great to see him growing as a player, evolving across formats, and now being rewarded with national honours as well.'
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