R Ashwin has urged coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to advise Rishabh Pant on converting centuries into double centuries. Pant scored centuries in both innings of the first Test against England, but India lost the match. Gambhir, while acknowledging the centuries, emphasized the importance of results over individual performances, highlighting the team's failure to win.
Following India's defeat in the Leeds Test, former England captain Nasser Hussain critiqued Shubman Gill's captaincy debut, noting a lack of commanding presence compared to Kohli and Sharma. Hussain echoed Ravi Shastri's concerns about India's search for a seam-bowling all-rounder and highlighted issues with slip catching and lower-order batting collapses, which contributed to England's victory.
Rishabh Pant's historic twin centuries at Headingley propelled him to seventh in ICC Test rankings, while Ben Duckett's stellar performance secured him eighth position. Shubman Gill climbed to 20th after a century. Jasprit Bumrah remains the top Test bowler. In T20Is, Michael Levitt and Brandon McMullen made significant gains, reflecting the growing competitiveness in international cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah's return to training has boosted India's bowling preparations for the Edgbaston Test after their Headingley defeat. Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj bowled in the nets, injecting intensity into the team's practice. While Bumrah's inclusion remains uncertain due to workload management, his presence offers hope as Team India aims to level the series.
Following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test, former Australian player Brad Haddin urges captain Shubman Gill to improve the team's fielding attitude. Haddin links poor catching to the IPL and emphasizes that fielding excellence requires commitment. India dropped eight catches, costing them dearly, especially with Ben Duckett's match-winning performance.
England defeated India by five wickets in the first Test at Headingley, chasing down a target of 371, with Ben Duckett scoring a remarkable 149. Shubman Gill's captaincy debut faced scrutiny from former captains Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri, who questioned his on-field leadership and tactical decisions.
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, faces increasing scrutiny after the team's struggles in Test cricket, highlighted by a recent defeat to England under Shubman Gill's captaincy. With only one win in the last nine Tests, including series losses to New Zealand and Australia, pressure mounts. Aakash Chopra emphasizes the need for results, noting the selectors' support.
Following their Headingley defeat, the Indian cricket team has commenced preparations for the second Test against England in Birmingham. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's presence, he refrained from on-field activities, while Prasidh Krishna was also absent from bowling drills. Coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in discussions with pacers, and players participated in net sessions.
Former India player Ajinkya Rahane has suggested that captain Shubman Gill should utilise Shardul Thakur's bowling skills more effectively. Rahane believes Thakur, an experienced all-rounder, can be a valuable asset if given more opportunities. He proposed specific strategies to maximise Thakur's impact, including using him as a first-change bowler.
Shubman Gill aimed to be the series' top scorer and scored a century on his captaincy debut. However, India lost the first Test against England. While his batting wasn't affected, his leadership is developing. Coach Gautam Gambhir supports Gill. Ravichandran Ashwin suggested using Shardul Thakur earlier. Gill remained composed, but his field placements faced criticism.
KL Rahul prioritised national duty, choosing to prepare for the England Test series soon after becoming a father. He aimed to lead the team in the absence of senior players. Rahul's commitment was evident as he played an unofficial Test, scoring a century. He opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and scored another century in the first Test.