The recent Test match between India and England has sparked discussions about India's batting strategy, particularly concerning the contributions from the lower order. Following India's loss in the first Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir has weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the need for a holistic team performance. While Gambhir has refrained from singling out individuals, he acknowledged the significance of lower-order contributions, especially in pressure situations.
Former cricketers and analysts have also voiced their opinions. Ravichandran Ashwin, for instance, suggested that Rishabh Pant needs to consider the lower order's potential inability to contribute significantly when formulating his batting approach. This perspective arises from the collapses India experienced in both innings of the recent Test, where quick wickets of the tail-enders stifled momentum and prevented India from setting an imposing target.
In the first innings, India slumped from a promising 430/3 to 471 all out, with the last seven wickets falling for a mere 41 runs. A similar pattern unfolded in the second innings, where the team was eventually bundled out for 364 after being comfortably placed at 333/4. These collapses underscore the critical role that the lower order plays in extending innings and capitalizing on strong starts provided by the top and middle order.
Gambhir, however, defended the team, stating that it's not always fair to expect significant contributions from the lower order, as even established batters sometimes fail. He noted that the team works hard in the nets, and he hopes for better performances from the tail in the future. Gambhir also emphasized that the lower-order collapse was not the sole reason for the defeat, suggesting that there were other moments in the game where India could have seized the advantage. He said that he wasn't going to single anyone out, and that the team loses together and wins together.
Despite the loss, there were several positive takeaways for India. Shubman Gill's century and Rishabh Pant's twin centuries were standout performances. Pant, in particular, achieved a rare feat, becoming only the second wicketkeeper-batter after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower to score centuries in both innings of a Test. He also surpassed MS Dhoni for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests. However, these individual brilliance could not secure a victory, highlighting the importance of a collective effort.
Looking ahead, India faces the challenge of addressing its lower-order woes while maintaining a positive team environment. Gambhir's approach seems to be one of encouragement and support, rather than criticism. The focus will likely be on improving the lower order's resilience and tactical awareness, enabling them to contribute more effectively in crucial situations. The team will also need to address other areas of concern, such as dropped catches and the effectiveness of the bowling attack.
