IND vs ENG: 'He deserves that smile' - Ravi Shastri praises Gautam Gambhir as Team India's bold call pays off at Edgbaston
NEW DELHI: Former India head coach
Ravi Shastri
, who had sharply criticised the decision to rest
Jasprit Bumrah
for the second Test at Edgbaston, had to change tune about head coach
Gautam Gambhir
and his team management - after India's record-breaking 336-run win over England on Sunday.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Before the match, Shastri expressed disbelief on Sky Cricket, saying, 'You have the best fast bowler in the world, and you make him sit out after seven days of rest. It's something very hard to believe.'
Poll
How impressed were you with Akash Deep's performance in the second Test?
Extremely impressed
Moderately impressed
Not impressed at all
He further underlined the match's significance, adding, 'If you look at the run India has had, this becomes a very, very important Test match.'
'Any attack of ours can take 20 wickets anywhere': Shubman Gill hails Mohd Siraj, Akash Deep after historic Edgbaston win
However, with stand-in pacer Akash Deep taking a stunning 10-wicket match haul in Bumrah's place, and Mohammed Siraj chipping in with six wickets in the first innings, India turned the tide in style.
The duo picked up 17 of the 20 English wickets as India secured their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston in nine attempts, levelling the series 1-1.
When cameras caught Gambhir smiling post-win, Shastri, in the commentary box, acknowledged the turnaround: '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.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Captain
Shubman Gill
also lavished praise on his bowlers.
'Akash Deep bowled with so much heart. The areas and lengths he hit, getting the ball to move both ways on such a wicket, was just magnificent,' Gill said. He also confirmed that Bumrah will return for the third Test at Lord's, beginning July 10.
India's bold selection calls - which also included dropping Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur - paid off handsomely, with the revamped lineup delivering under pressure and reigniting the five-Test series.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte sparks dating buzz with Georgia May Heath after yacht photo leaks
Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte sparks dating buzz with Georgia May Heath after yacht photo leaks (Image Via X) On April 25, 2025, rumours started spreading when Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte posted a picture with influencer Georgia May Heath. The photo featured the duo relaxing in a yacht off the coast of Spain, with the post labeled with a heart emoji. Fans noticed the backgrounds looked the same between their social media posts, causing speculation they might be living together. Those clues sparked curious whispers online. But who are these two, and why is this rumour grabbing attention? What Manuel Ugarte and Georgia May Heath are linked by Manuel Ugarte, 24, moved from Paris Saint‑Germain to Manchester United last summer for around £50 million. He has had a mixed season but impressed in the Europa League, scoring in a comeback win over Lyon. — sunsport (@sunsport) Georgia May Heath, 27, is a British‑Australian fashion and beauty influencer with about 230,000 Instagram followers and 50,000 on TikTok. She was previously linked to France's Kylian Mbappe after being seen with him in Greece in 2021 and Morocco in early 2024. Fans started to take notice in April when they saw that Georgia May Heath's Instagram stories featured what seemed to be inside Manuel Ugarte's flat, same decor, same view. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 올 여름, 아이들의 터닝포인트를 2만원으로 선물하세요 굿네이버스 더 알아보기 Undo Manuel Ugarte himself posted a yacht photo tagging Georgia Heath with a heart, which added fuel to dating rumours. Also Read: Europa League: Manchester United Dominate Athletic Bilbao To Take 3-0 Semi-Final First Leg Lead Georgia May Heath and Manuel Ugarte keeping romance private Reports say Manuel Ugarte and Georgia May Heath are keeping things private for now. There's no official confirmation from either party, but they have stayed 'low‑key' and avoided public appearances together. Manuel Ugarte is still focused on settling into life at Manchester United after a challenging season where the team sits mid-table at 14th place. Meanwhile, Georgia May Heath shares selective hints like that heart‑tagged photo and matching flat interiors. This pairing has sparked debate online. Some fans feel it's a nice distraction from football drama, while others question its timing amid Manuel Ugarte's tough first year. But the clues are there and so is the buzz. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tottenham star James Maddison sparks joy at Wimbledon with Love Island partner Kennedy Alexa following sweet baby news
Tottenham star James Maddison sparks joy at Wimbledon with Love Island partner Kennedy Alexa following sweet baby news (Image Via X) England football player James Maddison drew headlines this weekend for a remarkable occasion outside of the sport rather than his performance on the football pitch. At the Wimbledon Championship , James Maddison was seen with his girlfriend, a past Love Island contestant. Spent the day at the renowned tennis tournament, the pair looked calm and satisfied. The special visit was made possible by the disclosures that came to light. The couple is expecting twins, and Wimbledon's public showing provides viewers a brief glimpse of them laughing with pleasure. James Maddison has a double delight with his partner Though football fans know James Maddison for his ball-handling prowess and sharp eye on the field, his life outside of sports is also drawing interest. The news that he and his girlfriend are expecting twins has unearthed happy family news from the football community, which is not always usual daily. His fans have welcomed it cordially. Though the couple hasn't yet revealed much about the pregnancy, their recent Wimbledon visit was enough to cause notice. The Love Island favorite, who won viewers' hearts throughout her time on the show and gained some level of fame, had a brilliant smile as she was seated next to James Maddison. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 3 minutes, if you own a mouse Undo Together they seemed ready to welcome this fresh and exciting phase in their lives. Fans saw the pair clasping hands and even laughing in the stands. It was a beautiful spectacle, quite unlike the usual energetic football scene, and it gave everyone a view of James Maddison's gentler, more personal side. Also Read: Four Key Tottenham Players Ruled Out Of Europa League Final Against Manchester United James Maddison has a new season ahead on and off the field As James Maddison gets ready for another hectic season of football, he will also be getting ready for life as a dad of two. Family and football are not always an easy combination, but James Maddison has demonstrated that he is capable of handling pressure and responsibility. He will now embark on one of the greatest responsibilities of his life being a dad. Wimbledon was the ideal backdrop for this public moment. A peaceful and happy day at one of the world's most popular sporting events provided the couple with an opportunity to enjoy each other's company before the next grand chapter unfolds. Aside from the games with the assistance of his wife and now with the thrill of becoming a father, James Maddison has more to anticipate. His story reminds us that despite being celebrities, athletes like him have lives of love, family, and aspirations outside the game. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Economic Times
36 minutes ago
- Economic Times
India's new bowling hero Akash Deep was once told to try for peon's job, had quit cricket for 3 years after death of father and brother
Akash Deep with his family. Akash Deep has lost his father and brother in 2015. Akash Deep's journey to becoming India's newest pace sensation is not just a cricketing story—it's a story of quiet grit, overwhelming loss, and relentless belief. Born in 1996 in the small town of Sasaram in Bihar, Akash came from a region where aspiring to play cricket professionally was often discouraged. With limited opportunities and a suspended state cricket association, the odds were stacked against him right from the beginning. Netizens hailed him as a true fighter after his story went viral. Growing up, Akash was passionate about the game but was constantly reminded that cricket was a distraction, a road to nowhere. Neighbours told their children not to mingle with him. His father, like many others in the area, hoped he would pursue a government job—perhaps as a constable or even a peon. Though Akash often appeared for these exams out of respect, he never truly attempted them, always returning the forms blank. Cricket, even then, was his calling. — MohlaVivek (@MohlaVivek) He left Bihar in search of better opportunities and settled in Durgapur, West Bengal, where he began playing for United Club in the Cricket Association of Bengal's second division league. Just when things seemed to be taking a positive turn, tragedy struck. Within a span of six months in 2015, he lost both his father and elder brother. Suddenly, the responsibility of providing for the family fell squarely on his shoulders. The emotional toll forced him to step away from cricket entirely. For the next three years, he focused on survival and supporting his two sisters. In Kolkata, Akash worked on improving his fitness and bowling under the guidance of India pacer Mohammed Shami. His hard work paid off when he broke into Bengal's U-23 team in 2019, and later debuted for the senior side across all formats. His breakthrough came in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, where he picked up 35 wickets and helped Bengal reach the final. — adit_prak_94 (@adit_prak_94) His performances did not go unnoticed. In 2022, Akash was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Though his IPL journey had its ups and downs, he remained consistent on the domestic circuit. His growing reputation culminated in a Test call-up. Against England, Akash delivered a stunning performance at Edgbaston, taking 10 wickets in the match and playing a key role in India's massive 336-run victory. On a surface not known to favour bowlers, his ability to generate pace and movement stood out, earning praise from fans and experts alike. — _Bruce__007 (@_Bruce__007) However, behind this success lay more pain. Just two months before his England Test, his elder sister was diagnosed with cancer. It was yet another emotional blow to a young man who had already endured so much. While preparing for and playing one of the biggest matches of his life, Akash carried the weight of this devastating news in silence. His motivation to perform wasn't just about proving himself on the international stage—it was about bringing a smile to his sister's face amid her battle. — AjSingh1306 (@AjSingh1306) His resilience in the face of immense personal and financial hardship has inspired millions. Netizens hailed him not only for his bowling but also for his incredible journey—one that started in obscurity, passed through grief, poverty, and isolation, and finally reached the grand stage of Test cricket.
