ENG Vs IND 2018: Gautam Gambhir Prefers Ravichandran Ashwin Ahead of Pandya in Test Series

For India, Hardik Pandya has been an asset across formats. Even in South Africa, he scored a brilliant 90-odd in Cape Town. He also returned with some valuable wickets which helped India fight very hard in the Test series. He has already smashed his maiden test century. However, out of favour Indian opener Gautam Gambhir feels that Ravichandran Ashwin should be the all-rounder for India at least in the first game at Birmingham.

Team India is all set to lock horns against England in a five-match Test series starting from 1st August. It will be an intense battle of bat and ball between two top class sides.

India will enter the series as the dominant side. They have played some wonderful brand of cricket in the recent past which has helped them stamp their authority over the numero uno position in Test cricket.

The 18-member squad is loaded with star players. On their day everyone has the ability to change the complexion of the match within a blink of an eye.

Ashwin is a champion bowler in Tests: 

The southpaw feels that Ashwin is a class act and a champion bowler in the longest format. Ashwin hasn’t had a great record in overseas conditions.

However, it has been a hot summer in England. Gambhir feels if the pitches remain dry Ashwin will come of great help. He feels that it is not only about the first innings. India also needs to keep a look at Ashwin, who is a reliable lower middle order batsman as well.

Gautam Gambhir feels that India must field five of their best bowlers. They should make England feel that they have come here not to draw the series but to win it.

For that to happen, Gambhir believes that Ashwin should walk into the XI. He wanted to go with two pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami. The third pacer will be decided depending on the conditions.

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan also voiced the same opinion. He stated that to win Test matches, the team needs to get 20 wickets.

For that to happen India might field a team packed with top class bowlers.  Test wickets in his relatively brief career so far.