Delhi: After the defeat in the Handingley Test against England, questions started raising questions on the captaincy of India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill. But former captain Mohammad Azharuddin defended Gill and said that he should be given time now. Gill scored a century in the first innings, but could not win the team.

This is just the beginning

Azharuddin said that this was the first Test of Shubman Gill as a captain and it is not right to question his captaincy so soon. He said, “This was his first match as captain. It is not right to talk about the captaincy so soon. We should give him full opportunity. He is just handling the responsibility of the team. He should get both time and support.”

It is not right to criticize every player

Azharuddin also said that it is not right to criticize the players every time.

He said that it is important to be patient with the team. “We should not just complain and criticize every time. Players should be supported.”

Edgbaston Test requires the correct team combination

Regarding the upcoming Edgbaston Test, Azharuddin said that India will have to choose the right playing XI in this match and the bowling should be accurate. “In the first Test, we lost due to batting collapse. Now we have to choose the right player and bowling should also be perfect.”

Not much dependence on Bumrah is not good

Azharuddin also admitted that Team India has become more dependent on Jaspreet Bumrah. Bumrah took 5 wickets in the first innings but in the second innings England neutralized him. “The team has become very dependent on Bumrah. This cannot run. You want more experienced bowlers.”

Advice to include Kuldeep in the team

Azharuddin suggested that India should give Kuldeep Yadav a chance in the second Test.

He said, “He should play Kuldeep Yadav. The team now needs experienced and diversified bowlers.”

The second Test between India and England will be played in Edgbaston from 2 July.