“Gill Will Go All Guns Blazing”: Ravichandran Ashwin Backs India in Afghanistan Test, Mohammed Siraj to Lead Pace Attack

India face Afghanistan in a one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10 as selectors look at a new red-ball group. On JioStar, experts Saba Karim, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Aakash Chopra assessed India’s plans, leadership shifts, and roles for Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj.

Karim said the Afghanistan Test, though outside the WTC cycle, remains vital. He felt it can address issues in batting and bowling, and help India regain control in home Tests. He called it a platform to test young players before a major home series against Australia.

Karim felt Siraj must now lead the pace group without Jasprit Bumrah. He recalled Siraj’s spells in England when Bumrah missed games. According to him, Siraj’s pace, swing, and aggression suit the job, with young seamer Gurnoor Brar’s bounce helping at the other end.

Karim added that Brar, a right-arm quick listed at 6 feet 4 inches, could use his height on Indian pitches. He said Siraj should guide and inspire emerging fast bowlers. Performances in this match may shape selection for the coming Test series.

Ashwin spoke about Shubman Gill’s growth as Test captain and batter. “Shubman Gill had a fantastic series in England. As soon as he was made captain, he went there and delivered, both with the bat and with his leadership. He scored runs in tough conditions and handled the pressure of captaincy with maturity.”

Ashwin noted changes in Gill’s technique, like keeping the bat closer to the pads to cut the bat-pad gap. He felt this helped against the moving ball. He said Gill’s home form as captain is pending, but backed him to “go all guns blazing” with this method.

On spin options, Ashwin said, “Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja.” He viewed Washington Sundar as a defensive partner who offers long spells and lower-order runs. He is also keen on Harsh Dubey after a strong domestic and IPL season.

Ashwin said selection may come down to Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey, but he expects Dubey’s recent record to help. He said both main spinners will be crucial on a wearing pitch. He is “looking forward to seeing him make his debut,” if Dubey is picked.

Aakash Chopra discussed KL Rahul’s new role as vice-captain. He believes Rahul’s Test career is in its peak phase. He recalled Rahul’s success overseas as an opener and said India, without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, need him to secure the top-order spot and guide younger players.

Chopra felt the Test opening slot has fewer options than white-ball cricket, which increases Rahul’s importance. He said the challenge is to keep scoring runs with consistency. The one-off Test against Afghanistan starts at 9:30 AM, with coverage on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.