India’s thumping 336-run win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston not only levelled the series but also flipped the script on pre-match critics—Ravi Shastri included. But what stood out in the aftermath of the victory was a rare sight: Gautam Gambhir smiling.
Shastri Admits He Was Surprised—But Impressed
Commenting live during the broadcast when cameras caught head coach Gambhir flashing a rare grin, Shastri couldn’t resist a playful jibe:
“Don’t see that smile too often, but he deserves every bit of it. There is no better feeling for a coach than when you bounce back almost immediately to keep the series alive.”
This came days after Shastri had publicly questioned the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah, calling it “baffling” given the importance of the match and the week-long rest the pacer had.
Young India Prove Critics Wrong
- Shubman Gill: Scored 259 and 161 in the match — 430 runs, a record haul for an Indian captain in a Test.
- Akash Deep: Replaced Bumrah and returned a 10-wicket match haul, including a six-for in the second innings.
- Mohammed Siraj: Took six wickets in the first innings to dent England’s top order.
Together, they ensured India’s biggest overseas win, and their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston in 19 attempts.
Gill: Bumrah Will Be Back at Lord’s
Despite the euphoria of the dominant win, Gill confirmed that Bumrah will return for the third Test at Lord’s (starting July 10).
“Definitely. Very excited for that. No bigger honour than to be able to captain your country and lead your team at Lord’s.”
Likely change: Prasidh Krishna is expected to make way for Bumrah, who had earlier confirmed he would play only three Tests in the series to manage workload.
What’s at Stake Now?
With the five-match series now level at 1-1, momentum has firmly shifted. And with Bumrah back, India’s firepower only strengthens ahead of the Lord’s Test.
England, on the other hand, are already showing signs of fatigue, taking an extra rest day and expanding their squad.
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