Gambhir’s Brave Gamble on Washington Sundar Pays Off as India Moves Closer to a Crucial Victory at Lord’s

Sports News: Since Gautam Gambhir became the coach of Team India, many of his decisions have been questioned. However, Gambhir has stayed firm and continued to take decisions in his own unique style. Slowly, his choices are showing results—the latest example was seen on Day 4 of the third Test match against England at Lord’s.

Despite criticism in the previous match, Gambhir gave Washington Sundar another chance—and that decision turned out to be a game-changer.

Sundar's Spin Turned the Match

In the second session on Day 4, Sundar did something the other bowlers could not. At a time when England was dominating and India needed a breakthrough, Sundar used his spin to push the English team on the back foot.

Three Crucial Wickets

England had lost four wickets for just 87 runs, but then Joe Root and Ben Stokes built a strong partnership and started to take England to a safe position. Indian bowlers were struggling, and the match seemed to be slipping away.

That’s when Captain Shubman Gill gave the ball to Sundar, and he delivered. Sundar clean bowled Joe Root, who had been well set at the crease. Root went for a sweep shot but completely misjudged the delivery, and the ball went on to rattle his stumps.

Sundar then bowled Jamie Smith, who has troubled India throughout this series. Smith misjudged the ball while trying to play it from the back foot—and got bowled. Sundar didn’t stop there. He also took the wicket of Ben Stokes, once again bowled out, and finally dismissed Shoaib Bashir to end England’s second innings at 192 runs.

India Needs 193 to Win

Team India now requires 193 runs to secure victory in this crucial Test match. The team had one hour left on Day 4 and will have the entire fifth day to chase down the target.

If they win, India will take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series—a major boost under Gambhir’s leadership and a strong comeback moment for Washington Sundar.