- As the team for the grueling five-match Test series in England was announced, many would not have placed their bets on Team India to come out with their heads held high since the challenges confronting youngsters were manifold. Notably, with the retirement of stalwart performers like R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, the young inexperienced team was expected to be rolled over by the marauding Englishmen in familiar home conditions. Moreover, the absence of Mohamed Shami and the limited availability of the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah were considered a considerable setback even before the series was underway. Because of the dodgy fitness of Bumrah, he was declared to play only three Tests as part of workload management.
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- One must concur with what Head Coach Gautam Gambhir mentions – an inexperienced team – despising the word workload management with absolute condescension in his inimitable style. The greenhorn captain, Shubman Gill, was not even considered a certainty in the Test playing eleven before his elevation to lead the team. Appointing him as the captain firmly established the selectors’/coach’s trust in his abilities and potential as a leader apart from unquestionable skill sets as a batter. Gill not only emerged as the leading scorer from both sides after the five Tests concluded but also proved his leadership mettle under trying circumstances by upstaging the hosts throughout the series quite admirably.
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- Cricket connoisseurs, pundits, and fans would have noticed that Team India was not only ahead in most of the sessions but also found itself in a winning position. Unfortunately, Team India could not cross the finishing line by failing to capture the key moments that would have resulted in the visitors romping home. Nonetheless, the series leveling at 2-2 amply demonstrates how Team India fought to remain relevant as well as put it across the home team by showcasing aggressive intent, superb skills, never-say-die attitude, and a big heart to win two Tests when key bowler Bumrah was unavailable. Let’s look at some of the key takeaways from the series that should augur well for the Indian team in the days ahead.
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- The emergence from the shadows of Bumrah defines the performance of Mohamad Siraj, whose relentlessly aggressive disposition was a treat to watch for the admirers as well as the experts. Siraj was instrumental in Team India leveling the series by an exceptional showcasing of seam/swing bowling. Ravindra Jadeja was simply outstanding with the bat, especially in the second innings, marshalling the lower order with great aplomb. KL Rahul, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna have been firmly established as the performers who will be furthering Team India’s cause. Gambhir will feel less pressured. Gill will stride with a newfound confidence. Team India is no pushover while touring. Good tidings!
