India has lost the first of the five-match Test series against England. Although the side did bat well in both innings, it is with the ball that they struggled to contain runs. Shubman Gill lacked experience with his leadership skills, and when the pressure was put on bowlers, too lacked the wicket-taking ability.
“Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best,” said Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on Sony Sports.
“Full credit to England. Despite India having five centurions, they seemed to have that confidence. That is what made them take the final wickets. So that is where India also missed out because those extra runs could have made the difference. As far as the fielding was concerned, it’s just not the catch, but the outfielding was pretty ordinary. Not Test class,” Gavaskar added.
“Very good pitch to bat on so very tough to criticise the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. If he had somebody, keeping it bit tight, that would have been big help. But this is the first Test,” defending 371 runs, India lost the game by five wickets. “Hopefully, lessons have been learned. There are eight days for the next match,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar took the reference of Cheteshwar Pujara, and said the current Indian team should continue with the optional session. “I mean, Cheteshwar Pujara has been part of the optional team. I know when he has opted to bat there have been people who have said, ‘What are your doing?’ including the coaching staff. I have been some of the coaching staff, not this one, Cheteshwar was not part of this team, they have said, ‘Can’t you have a break or something?'”
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