NEW DELHI: As questions swirl over India’s team selection for the second Test against England, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has firmly backed the management’s choices, stating that there is “no confusion” within the squad regarding the playing XI. His response came amid criticism from former players over the omission of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.
India surprised many by leaving out their pace spearhead Bumrah and wrist-spinner Kuldeep from the playing XI in Birmingham, despite widespread calls for their inclusion. Instead, the team brought in Washington Sundar and debutants Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Facing the media after Day 1, Jaiswal shrugged off concerns raised by pundits, praising the team’s strategy and leadership. “No, there is no confusion,” Jaiswal said when asked about the team selection. “We are very confident in what we are doing and what the team has planned.”
Jaiswal was also full of praise for skipper Shubman Gill, who led from the front with a composed and stylish unbeaten century. “He’s been amazing, both as a batter and as a captain. It’s just incredible to see him bat. He is very clear in his mind about what needs to be done. We’re all supporting each other and trying our best,” he said.
India got off to a solid start on Day 1 of the second Test, with Gill anchoring the innings with a gritty 114* off 216 balls, laced with 12 boundaries. His innings stood out for its balance of caution and control, as wickets fell at the other end in clusters.
In a video released by the BCCI, Gill underlined the team’s intentions for the series. “We definitely want to win this Test match and the series,” said the young captain, who now joins an elite club of Indian captains — including Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare, and Sunil Gavaskar — to score centuries in their first two Tests as skipper.
Gill’s knock was a display of composure and shot selection, highlighted by a fluent sweep behind square and a powerful boundary to bring up his hundred in style. His leadership and personal performance have offered a much-needed boost to a side that has been struggling for form in Test cricket over the past few months.
With the game finely poised, the focus will now be on India’s bowling unit, especially with Bumrah rested and Kuldeep left out, decisions that have divided opinion. But as Jaiswal made clear — the team is confident, united, and focused on the larger goal: clinching the series.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
