Shubman Gill’s dilemma: Don’t know what to do with second spinner on Day 1

Edgbaston, July 2 – With the sky overcast and the pitch offering early swing, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill found himself facing a familiar but frustrating Test match dilemma—should India gamble with a second spinner on Day 1, or rely on their pace battery to do the early damage?

The decision was anything but straightforward, especially in English conditions known to tilt heavily in favour of seam bowlers in the opening hours of a Test. Despite having a quality spin option in the ranks, Gill admitted post-session that he was unsure about how to utilise the second spinner early in the match.

“Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with the second spinner in these conditions,” Gill said, hinting at the tactical confusion that gripped the Indian camp on Tuesday morning. “There was moisture, movement, and plenty for the pacers. Using a second spinner felt like forcing it.”

The Setup: Green Top and Swinging Ball

Day 1 at Edgbaston started under cloudy skies with noticeable grass cover on the pitch. India opted for a balanced lineup, but the inclusion of a second spinner raised eyebrows, especially after the toss. With Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah generating significant swing and bounce, India had England on the back foot in the early session.

But as the ball got older, and the sun peeked out, there was a brief period where turn seemed likely. However, it wasn’t substantial enough to justify giving the second spinner extended spells. “We were hoping it would dry up faster,” Gill said. “But the pitch held on to moisture longer than we thought.”

Why Pick a Second Spinner Then?

The question now being asked by pundits and fans alike is—why include a second spinner if you’re unsure about deploying him on Day 1?

According to team sources, India expected a dry surface based on the curator’s report and visual inspection a day earlier. The management hoped the pitch would break up sooner, assisting the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and either Ravichandran Ashwin or Kuldeep Yadav, depending on the final XI.

However, last-minute changes in weather and ground preparation seemed to have altered the surface dynamics. “We did our homework,” Gill explained. “But sometimes, English weather can flip the script within hours. It caught us off guard.”

Strategic Hindsight or Overthinking?

Former cricketers like VVS Laxman and Michael Vaughan weighed in on the dilemma. Speaking on-air, Vaughan said, “India is a top side, no doubt, but this is a classic case of overthinking the conditions. You don’t need a second spinner on Day 1 in England unless you’re playing in July with a dry pitch and no cloud cover.”

Laxman, while more sympathetic, agreed that the decision seemed “defensive” rather than “aggressive.”

“It’s possible they were planning for Days 3 and 4, but a Test can be won or lost in the first two,” he said.

The Bigger Problem: Underuse of the Chosen Spinner

Notably, the second spinner bowled only six overs across two sessions—a clear indication of how little faith the team had in spin for Day 1. While Jadeja was used sparingly but effectively, the second option barely got into rhythm before being taken off.

This underuse has not only opened the team up to criticism but also raises concerns about role clarity and decision-making processes in the Indian camp.

“If you pick a bowler, you need to show confidence in him,” said Harsha Bhogle on commentary. “Using him as a placeholder doesn’t help the player or the team.”

Gill’s Learning Curve as Vice-Captain

While Shubman Gill’s primary focus remains on batting, his role as deputy to Rohit Sharma involves more leadership responsibility. Tactical inputs, bowling changes, and field placements are all part of the job. And situations like these are part of the learning curve for the young cricketer.

Gill acknowledged that he’s still developing his on-field reading of the game.

“It’s all part of leadership—sometimes your instincts work, sometimes they don’t. But you have to back your plans or adapt quickly,” he said with maturity beyond his years.

Looking Ahead: Will the Spinners Come Into Play?

As the match progresses, conditions are expected to become more favorable for spin. With hot and dry weather forecast for Days 3 and 4, India’s decision to go in with two spinners might pay off eventually. But that only happens if the match goes the distance—and if the second spinner is trusted enough to bowl long spells when it matters.

For now, Gill’s moment of uncertainty has added a fresh twist to the ongoing Test, revealing just how tough and unpredictable leadership in red-ball cricket can be.