New Delhi: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong message to the Indian team ahead of their must-win second Test against England at Edgbaston, urging Shubman Gill’s side to respond with intent and urgency following their five-wicket defeat in the series opener at Headingley.
Despite dominating large portions of the first Test, India faltered on the final day as England successfully chased down a challenging target, drawing first blood in the five-match ICC World Test Championship series. The loss has intensified the pressure on India, with the second Test now becoming a pivotal moment in the contest for the newly introduced Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasized the need for a swift and aggressive comeback. “The most important thing for India is to throw the counterpunch almost immediately,” he said. “When you lose a Test match like this—where you’ve dominated most of it—it takes a lot of character to bounce back. Full credit to England for keeping their composure, but India must regroup and respond right away.”
India faces critical selection decisions ahead of the second Test, particularly regarding the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload is being carefully managed. The team management is also considering whether to bring in a second spinner to support Ravindra Jadeja, depending on the pitch conditions at Edgbaston.
“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. All is not lost—it’s a long series, and India has to take it one game at a time,” Shastri added.
The spotlight is also firmly on Shubman Gill, who made his captaincy debut in the series opener. While many felt he was too reactive during England’s chase on a fast outfield, Shastri expects the young captain to learn from the experience and lead with more decisiveness in the matches ahead.
“People say he was a little reactive—and that can happen in your first Test match as captain, especially in such good batting conditions. But he will have learnt from it,” Shastri remarked. “Now it’s about being more proactive. That also means the bowlers and fielders must back him up, know their roles, and execute them properly.”
With the second Test set to begin shortly, Team India will be under pressure to level the series. Shastri’s rallying cry for a counterpunch is a call for resilience, intent, and unity—qualities India will need to keep their hopes alive in this fiercely contested series.
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