England started their five-Test tour of India with a 28-run victory in Hyderabad. However, the visitors failed to build on it and lost the next three matches in Vizag, Rajkot and Ranchi to concede the series.
The Indian team seems poised for a 4-1 series victory, having bundled out the Three Lions for 218 on the opening day of the fifth Test in Dharamsala on Thursday (March 7).
Reflecting on England’s performance, BCCI president and former India seamer Roger Binny has opined that the assertive captaincy of Ben Stokes has been overshadowed by the patience and tactical acumen of his Indian counterpart Rohit Sharma in the ongoing Test series.
"Well, the captaincy of Ben Stokes so far he has been more aggressive, and I think that has been the (reason for their) downfall in the few Test matches," Binny told PTI Video in an exclusive chat.
The 68-year-old also questioned the English batters’ ultra-aggressive approach against the formidable Indian spin attack on multiple occasions.
"Being so aggressive and trying to take on the Indian spinners in difficult times (situations) rather than hanging around and trying to make a big score," he added.
Roger Binny showered rich praise on Rohit’s captaincy even though India missed quite a few first-choice players in the series.
"Rohit Sharma again has been very tactful. You know he knew exactly what he wanted to do and he got his bowlers to do that."
When asked what went wrong for England after the win in Hyderabad Test, Binny replied: "I don't think England changed their strategy. They went on the same attacking mode like what they did in the first Test match. But, I think, Rohit was more patient because he had the first Test in his pocket at one stage and then he let it go. He was patient enough in the next two Tests and won both."
England on the opening day of the final Test were 100 for 1 at one stage before being all out for 218 and Binny believes that only they are to be blamed for this downfall.
"I think England have themselves to blame for the situation they are in at the moment. I think they started well in the morning, they looked as if they would put up a fighting score.
"So far, it has been India's day. They have been batting well also so far and I think the Test series has been very one-sided after the first Test that England won. From then onwards, the Indian team has done well and it has dominated the series."
Coming to the Dharamsala Test, India ended the opening day on 135/1 with Rohit Sharma (52*) and Shubman Gill (26*) unbeaten in the middle.
"I think England have themselves to blame for the situation they are in at the moment. I think they started well in the morning, they looked as if they would put up a fighting score.
"So far, it has been India's day. They have been batting well also so far and I think the Test series has been very one-sided after the first Test that England won. From then onwards, the Indian team has done well and it has dominated the series."
(With PTI Inputs)
