New Delhi: On the eve of the second Test against England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill made some candid observations about the team’s recent performance, particularly criticising the lower-order batting and calling for greater responsibility from the top-order batters. His remarks come as India trails 0-1 in the Test series, following a disappointing loss in the first match.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill highlighted a recurring issue in India’s Test setup. “Our lower-order batting sometimes doesn’t contribute as much as other teams,” he admitted. “It’s something we constantly talk about. When your last five or six batters don’t add much to the total, it becomes easier for the opposition to make a comeback.”
Reflecting on his own performance in the first Test, where he scored a brilliant 147, Gill said he regretted not capitalising further. “I was batting well and maybe could have added 50 more runs with Rishabh (Pant) in that partnership,” he said. “Getting out to a good delivery is part of the game, but once you’re set and aware that the lower order isn’t very deep, the onus is on the top order to bat long and take the team to a dominant position.”
Gill’s comments appeared to be a subtle reminder to his fellow top-order batters to bat with greater intent and caution. “If you know your tailenders may not add much, the top-order needs to take more responsibility and try to bat the opposition out of the game,” he said. “It’s a perspective that we’ve been discussing — how to ensure that once we’re ahead, we stay ahead.”
Gill also spoke about the challenges posed by England’s aggressive “Bazball” style of batting. He stressed the importance of discipline and consistency in bowling, even when faced with a fearless batting lineup.
“With England’s approach, they tend to go after both loose and good deliveries. That puts pressure on our bowlers. So, the key will be how consistently we can hit the right areas, especially when the pitch or the ball isn’t offering much assistance,” he added.
In the first Test, India failed to defend a massive 371-run target, despite fielding four pacers — Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj — alongside lone spinner Ravindra Jadeja. England’s bold run chase exposed cracks in India’s bowling strategy and lower-order contribution, prompting widespread criticism.
Heading into the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, India will be looking to bounce back. Gill’s remarks set the tone for a team that is seeking greater accountability and improved execution, especially from its senior players.
With the series at stake, the pressure is now on India’s batting unit to deliver a comprehensive performance and ensure that the shortcomings of the lower order don’t derail their efforts again.
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