After India’s narrow defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, former head coach Ravi Shastri has urged Shubman Gill’s men to respond strongly and positively in the second Test at Edgbaston. Despite dominating large parts of the contest, India went 0-1 down as England pulled off their second-highest fourth-innings chase in Test history.
“The most important thing for India is to throw the counter-punch almost immediately,” Shastri told The ICC Review. He emphasized the need for character, especially after such a morale-sapping loss.
“When you lose a Test match like this where you have dominated most of it and then you lose it on the last day with a big chase and full marks to England for keeping their composure and doing that, it will need a lot of character to come to the fore and to bounce back in the series.”
Bumrah should play 2nd Test
India have decisions to make—whether to risk Jasprit Bumrah given his workload concerns and whether to pair a second spinner with Ravindra Jadeja. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate recently said that while Bumrah is ready, the team will take a last-minute call for his inclusion.
But for Shastri, the team combination isn’t the primary worry. His bigger concern is the team’s mindset. “Now, whether Bumrah plays or doesn’t play, one doesn’t know. But let’s hope he does because this is a very important Test match and all is not lost. It’s just you take it one game at a time. It’s a five-match series and India will be hoping to bounce back.”
With Shubman Gill leading India for the first time in Tests, Shastri expects the young captain to evolve quickly. “People say he was a little reactive and it can happen when you’re playing your first Test match (as captain) and especially in such good batting conditions with a fast outfield and things can happen in that way,” Shastri said. He added that it’s crucial for the bowlers and fielders to back their captain by executing their roles with precision.
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