IND Vs ENG 2nd Test: Dale Steyn Blasts Gautam Gambhir For Dropping Jasprit Bumrah, Says 'It's Like Portugal Resting Ronaldo'

Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn criticised Indian team management, especially coach Gautam Gambhir for deciding to rest star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test against England in Birmingham. Taking to social media Steyn posted a message comparing the move to "Portugal benching Cristiano Ronaldo."

He wrote, "So Portugal have the best striker in the world in Ronaldo and they chose not to play him. Thats madness. That’s like India having Bumrah and choosing not to play, umm, him… wait, oh, no, what! shit I’m confused"

Why was Bumrah dropped for the IND vs ENG 2nd Test?

India made three changes for the Edgbaston Test, with Bumrah making way for Akash Deep. The Indian team management had earlier insisted that the decision was a pre-planned one aimed at managing Bumrah’s workload. Ahead of the tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had revealed that the star pacer would only play three of the five Tests, following medical advice from the BCCI's health team.

Despite being 0-1 down in the series, the management stuck to the plan. Explaining the decision at the toss, Gill said, “Just to manage his workload. We did get a good break and this is an important match for us. But the third Test being at Lord's, we think there'll be more in that pitch so we'll use him there.”

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Gill leads Team India's bright start on Day 1

Team India produced a solid batting performance on the opening day of the second Test match against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. After England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to field first under overcast skies, Indian batters responded confidently, finishing Day 1 at 310 for 5 in 85 overs.

India’s innings was headlined by a fluent century from skipper Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 114 off 216 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a blazing start, scoring an attacking 87 off 107 deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja, who played with assurance and ended the day unbeaten on 41 off 67 balls.

For England, Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2 for 59 in 21 overs. He bowled a disciplined spell and struck at key moments. Brydon Carse, Ben Stokes, and Shoaib Bashir chipped in with one wicket apiece, but none of the bowlers were able to apply sustained pressure on the Indian batters throughout the day.

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