ENG vs IND 2025: 'You win Tests by taking 20 wickets' - Rahane urges India to play an extra bowler

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, who is not part of the squad for the England tour, has urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to make a crucial change ahead of the fourth Test. With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, Rahane has recommended adding an extra specialist bowler to the lineup.

In the third Test at Lord’s, India fielded Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep as their primary pace attack, while Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy featured as all-rounders. Rahane believes that including another frontline bowler could strengthen India’s chances in the fourth Test, set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester

"We all know that Day 4 and 5 get slightly difficult to bat on. It's not easy to score runs. Yes, England bowled really well. But I felt India missed an opportunity to get that big score on the board in the first innings. And also, I feel going forward, India should look to add one extra bowler - because you're going to win a Test match or a Test series by getting 20 wickets," Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

While Gambhir’s preference for all-rounders is well known, Reddy might be dropped following the conclusion of the third Test. If that happens, the team could consider bringing in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the fourth Test in Manchester. Rahane also praised England captain Ben Stokes for the intensity he brought to the field, particularly with the ball in hand.

"It's very easy for the fielder to get relaxed. When you see only two or three balls left before lunch, you can easily get relaxed. But his attitude towards the ball, his intensity, and getting that run-out - that's where I felt England came into the game,” said Rahane.

"That's what you want to see in Test cricket - all 11 fielders coming together and looking to win the Test match," he added.