Following India’s narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s, former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has made a passionate appeal to Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill — bring in an extra bowler for the fourth Test at Manchester, starting July 23.
Rahane’s Suggestion: Pick a Wicket-Taking Specialist
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane stressed the need to pick up 20 wickets to win a Test match. While appreciating the batting depth that India carried into Lord’s — with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy contributing lower down the order — he emphasized that bowling firepower shouldn’t be compromised.
“India should look to add one extra bowler. You win a Test by taking 20 wickets.” – Ajinkya Rahane
India’s Current XI: Strength or Stretched?
In the Lord’s Test, India fielded a balanced but all-rounder-heavy lineup:
| Player | Role | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (C) | Top-order bat | 106 | 6 |
| KL Rahul | Top-order bat | 59 | 39 |
| Rishabh Pant (WK/VC) | Middle-order bat | 71 | 22 |
| Karun Nair | Middle-order bat | 14 | 0 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder | 36 | 61* |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | 23 | 10 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder | 11 | 13 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | 5 wickets | — |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | 2 wickets | — |
| Akash Deep | Bowler | 3 wickets | — |
This XI provided batting till No.9, but India failed to defend or chase, prompting Rahane’s rethink.
Who Could Be That Extra Bowler?
Rahane didn’t name names, but there are two top options:
Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist-Spin Option
- Offers variety on Day 4-5 pitches
- Can exploit wear and tear better than finger spinners
- Could replace Nitish Reddy if team wants a spin-heavy attack
An Extra Pacer – Seam Conditions Call?
- Mohammed Shami or Mukesh Kumar could return
- Would add venom with the new ball alongside Bumrah and Siraj
- Would likely come in for Sundar or Reddy, weakening batting depth
Rahane Reflects on Lord’s Turning Point
Rahane also pointed to Ben Stokes’ game-changing run-out just before lunch on Day 4. With India cruising at 40/1, Karun Nair’s dismissal via Stokes’ one-handed pickup and throw shifted momentum dramatically.
“When only a few balls are left before lunch, it’s easy to relax. But Stokes’ intensity changed everything.” – Rahane
From that moment on, England tightened the noose. Their bowlers, particularly Archer and Stokes, turned up the heat, and India never quite recovered.
India’s First Innings – 75–100 Runs Short?
Rahane lauded the KL Rahul–Pant partnership in the first innings but felt India underachieved overall:
“They batted beautifully. But India were 75–100 runs short.” – Rahane
The first innings total of 245 left the team vulnerable despite a 5-wicket haul from Bumrah, and the target of 193 in the final innings proved elusive.
What Next?
India trails the series 2-1 heading into Manchester. With Kuldeep Yadav waiting in the wings and pitch conditions potentially favoring spin, the team management faces a tough call:
- Stick with depth and all-rounders?
- Or bring in a specialist to “go for the kill”?
With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy still up for grabs, Rahane’s advice may prove pivotal.
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