Ravichandran Ashwin has openly criticized India's tactical decisions in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, particularly targeting captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir for what he described as a “lack of game awareness.” Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin expressed disappointment over how spinners, especially Washington Sundar, were underutilized during key moments of the series. He emphasized that the delay in bringing spinners into the attack allowed England to build momentum and dominate critical phases.

Ashwin acknowledged that while Shubman Gill is still developing as a captain and has potential to improve, tactical misjudgments—like not using spin when it was most effective—have cost India dearly in the series. He added that when captains feel confident playing spin themselves, they may underestimate its strategic value, inadvertently making it a defensive option instead of a game-changing weapon.

The criticism comes after Day 4 of the fifth Test at The Oval was cut short due to bad light and rain. England is now on the verge of chasing down 374, needing just 35 runs on the final day with four wickets remaining. Joe Root and Harry Brook played key roles, with Root scoring 105 and Brook delivering a blistering 111 off 98 balls. Brook was also dropped on 19 by Mohammed Siraj, a costly miss for India.

Ashwin questioned the communication within the Indian camp, wondering if tactical messages were being conveyed clearly from the dressing room. He believes such lapses are avoidable in modern cricket and have led to India falling behind in a series where every Test has gone into the final day. The veteran off-spinner’s remarks have now sparked debate on the internet.

Gave me many sleepless nights: Morkel reacts to Root's dismissal

India bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed relief after the crucial dismissal of Joe Root late on Day 4 of the gripping fifth Test between India and England at The Oval. Root, who scored a commanding 105 off 152 balls, had been a persistent challenge throughout the series. His dismissal—caught behind by Dhruv Jurel while attempting a dab to third man—offered India a much-needed breakthrough as England edged closer to their 374-run target.

Morkel, recalling Root's past dominance over him as a bowler, candidly admitted the English batter had given him and his team "many sleepless nights." He praised Root's class and said the entire unit was relieved to see his back.

India’s team combination for the final Test, featuring two spin-bowling all-rounders, a specialist batter, and three pacers, has come under scrutiny. The Oval’s spin-unfriendly pitch placed a heavy burden on pacers Akash Deep, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, forcing frequent rotation. Morkel explained that the team management prioritized batting depth, believing extra runs would be crucial given the conditions.

He acknowledged that while Washi (Washington Sundar) and Jadeja had been effective in previous Tests, the team might re-evaluate its strategy post-series. The decision to include an additional batter was made with overhead and pitch conditions in mind.

As the match heads into a finely balanced Day 5, England needs 35 more runs with four wickets in hand, while India requires four more wickets to level the series 2-2. The result hangs in the balance, promising a thrilling finish. (With inputs from Agencies)