Shubman Gill's tenure as India Test captain started on a disappointing note as the team fell to a five-wicket defeat in the inaugural of the five-Test series against England on Tuesday.
For all the five Indian batters hitting triple figures in the course of the match, the hosts could not win the game on the last day.
Pivotal errors—ranging from a struggling lower-order show and missed catches to an inability to pick up wickets on a regular basis—permitted England to take the series 1-0 lead.
England opener Ben Duckett delivered the innings of his life, hitting a powerful century that laid bare the weaknesses in India's bowling. His 149 off 170 balls comprised 21 boundaries and a cheeky reverse-swept six off Ravindra Jadeja. Supported by Zak Crawley, who scored 65 in an impressive 188-run opening stand, Duckett established the tone for an easy 371-run chase. Aides from Joe Root (53) and Jamie Smith (44) further simplified England's victory route, rendering a tough total much less formidable.
Ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar, cricket great, provided a scathing critique of India's loss.
Full credit to England. Even though India had five centurions, they did not seem to have that belief. That is why they took those last wickets. That is where India also missed out because the runs would have done it for them. As far as fielding was concerned, it's not just the catch but the out-fielding was quite average. Not Test class," he said while interacting with Sony Sports.
Gavaskar did not put too much blame on the bowling outfit, attributing it to the conditions.
"Very good wicket to bat on so very difficult to criticize the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. Had he had someone, keeping it tight a bit, that would have been great assistance. But it's the first Test. Hopefully, lessons have been learned. Eight days for the next game."
He also made a strict suggestion about practice schedules, asking players to not make practice optional.
"Next few days you can relax, but now seriously focus on practice. Shelve this optional practice. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a manner so that you will treat yourself with the best," he said.
Gavaskar remembered recalling an instance with experienced batsman Cheteshwar Pujara to highlight the need for hard work.
"I mean Cheteshwar Pujara has been in the optional team. I know when he has chosen to bat there have been individuals who have said, 'What are you doing?' including the coaching team. I have been some of the coaching team, not this one, Cheteshwar was not in this team, they have said, 'Can't you take a break or something?'"
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