However, India’s head coach acknowledges the need for better defense on turning tracks.
IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: “Losing the series hurts, but it will make us better,” says Gambhir.
A home series defeat to New Zealand, concluded by two spinners who arrived on this tour with only two first-class five-wicket hauls between them, has raised concerns regarding a potential decline in India’s proficiency in handling spin bowling on turning pitches. While India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, refrained from making such a sweeping assertion, he did acknowledge a deterioration in defensive techniques attributed to the prevalence of T20 cricket.
“At times, one must also credit the opposition,” he remarked on Thursday, the day prior to the third Test in Mumbai. “Mitchell Santner performed exceptionally well in the previous match, but we will continue to work diligently. Improvement is our goal. The players are investing significant effort in practice sessions. Ultimately, results are what count in international cricket, but I do not believe that our skills against spin have diminished.”
India has experienced significant collapses in each innings of this series. The team was bowled out for a mere forty-six in unusual conditions in Bengaluru, and subsequently, they have lost wickets at alarming rates: 7 for 54, 6 for 73, and 5 for 40. This has compelled them to focus on their ability to bat for extended periods under challenging circumstances.
“Test cricket revolves around playing sessions,” Gambhir remarked. “If we can learn to navigate these sessions effectively, combined with the quality present in our batting lineup, I believe that if we manage to play four to four-and-a-half sessions, we will accumulate a substantial score.”
The struggle to fulfill this essential requirement has underscored the difficulties that contemporary batters encounter in the age of T20 cricket. “We must improve our defensive techniques,” Gambhir emphasized. “This is crucial, particularly on a pitch that assists spin. Confidence in one’s defense can resolve many issues, and it is an area where we need to continually enhance our skills.”
“Moreover, I must reiterate that much of this stems from the influence of limited-overs and T20 cricket. When players become accustomed to aggressively striking the ball, they often neglect the importance of soft hands and other techniques that were more prevalent eight or ten years ago. Therefore, I maintain that a well-rounded cricketer is one who excels in both T20 and Test formats, demonstrating the ability to adapt their game. This adaptability is a hallmark of growth.”
“Growth encompasses more than just hitting the ball out of the park; it also involves mastering the art of batting through sessions on a turning pitch, where hitting for sixes may not be feasible, but effective rotation of the strike is possible. To achieve this, a solid foundation is essential.”
“If we can bat sessions, we know that we’ve got the bowling attack to take 20 wickets”
The upcoming Mumbai Test is expected to take place in conditions favorable to spin bowlers. Following India’s practice session on Thursday morning, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli closely examined the pitch alongside assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. After Kohli departed, Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel joined Rohit and Nayar for a discussion that lasted approximately 20 minutes. Shortly thereafter, the ground staff began to remove any remaining grass from the pitch surface. Batsmen may need to adjust their T20 skills to perform effectively in this environment. However, is such an adjustment feasible? Can a coach facilitate this transition?
Gambhir responded affirmatively, stating, “To a certain extent, yes. However, it also requires individual effort. The key lies in how much emphasis a player places on defending the ball, which is crucial, especially on a pitch that assists spin. I have always maintained that the most successful players across all formats possess a strong defensive technique. This is a recurring topic of discussion. It is not an instantaneous change; we cannot expect improvement overnight. It is a gradual process that necessitates ongoing effort and reinforcement of the importance of defense.”
Might India find itself in a position where it needs to consider a distinct group of players better suited for Test cricket? While Gambhir refrained from making definitive statements regarding this hypothetical scenario, he acknowledged the necessity of identifying players who excel in red-ball cricket moving forward. “Ultimately, achieving results requires significant effort over three, four, or even five days. As I mentioned earlier, if we can endure lengthy batting sessions, we can rely on our bowling attack to secure 20 wickets. At this moment, it is challenging to provide a clear answer.”
