Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has asked the Indian team players to buckle up and give it their all in practice after they suffered a humiliating 5-wicket loss to England in the first Test in Leeds of the five-match series.
India failed to defend 371 runs, as Ben Duckett’s 149 led the way for England to 1-0 up in the series. It was India's seventh defeat in the last 12 Test matches and third in a row. The second Test of the series will be played in Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believed that India's defeat was solely due to poor fielding, despite the fact that most of the criticism focused on the batting collapse across the two innings and Jasprit Bumrah's lack of help from his fellow quicks.
During the five days of play, the dropped catches were mentioned, but Gavaskar was also incensed at the fielding mistakes. By claiming that the Headingley track was batting-friendly, he put an end to the discussion about the subpar bowling.
"Full credit to England. Despite India having five centurions, they seemed to have that confidence. That is what made them take the final wickets. So that is where India also missed out because those extra runs could have made the difference. As far as the fielding was concerned, it's just not the catches, but the out-fielding was pretty ordinary. Not Test class," Gavaskar said on Sony Sports.
"Very good pitch to bat on, so very tough to criticise the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. If he had somebody, keeping it a bit tight, that would have been a big help. But this is the first Test. Hopefully, lessons have been learned. There are eight days for the next match,” he added.
The Indian batting icon went on to advise Indian players to skip optional practice sessions and take a day or two off following the Leeds defeat.
"Next couple of days, you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best.
I mean, Cheteshwar Pujara has been part of the optional team. I know when he has opted to bat, there have been people who have said, 'What are you doing?', including the coaching staff. I have been some of the coaching staff, not this one. Cheteshwar was not part of this team, they have said, 'Can't you have a break or something?” Gavaskar concluded.
India has lost their last two Test series, 0-3 to New Zealand at home and 1-3 to Australia down under. And now with 0-1 down against England, India has a very steep road ahead for their comeback.
