The ongoing test series between India and England offered a riveting competition marked by shifts of momentum, tactical battles and standout individual performances. England drew the first blood with the victory in Headingley and Lord’s, while India responded with the dominant victory in Edgbaston. When the series enters its decisive phase, India has been facing a challenge of rolling the deficit and claiming their first test series in England since 2007.
Missed opportunity at Lorda
Despite the result, India was competitive for the large parts of the Lord’s test. The bowlers limited England to 387 in the first shifts, and the dough corresponded to this total with gravel and patience. In the England of second shifts, Indian pitchs went again, released hosts for 192 and set the target of the 193 Gettable.
But Chase broke up. The Indian approach was preliminary and the goals fell at regular intervals. The inability of the team to build partnerships in the fourth shifts left Ravindra Jadeja with little support. India eventually did not reach O2 22 runs – a narrow defeat that could prove to be expensive in the wider context of the series.
Key doughs like Kl Rahul and Rishabh Pant couldn’t make money on promising starts. In situations such as these, partnership and compound decision -making are necessary. The span of error is small and India could not afford penetration that crawled at critical intersections.
Areas that require immediate attention
Drawn: Mixing patience with the aim of
Indian doughs will have to find a method for navigation at the English pace of attack, especially in seam and rocking conditions. Like Jofra Archer, they tested the Indian technique and temperament. Players like Rahul, Pant, Jadeja and the promising Nitish Reddy must quickly adapt and leave supplies outside the heel, constantly rotating strike and building durable partnerships. The best Indian launchers came when players combined caution with a positive intention – a balance that must be re -affected in the last two matches.
Bowling: The key is a permanent pressure
Indian pitchors largely performed heart and discipline. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja all struck in fundamental moments, while Akashdeep and Arshdeep Singh showed a promise. But to win the test in England, the team must take 20 goals – and do it by keeping pressure across all four shifts. With the conditions gentle to swings, accuracy and consistency become uninhabited. Indian pitching has a set of skills, but the performance in pressure situations will be critical.
Guidance under control but gill holds stable
SHUBMAN GILL, Captain in England for the first time, impressed with his calm approach and personal form. He is still a leading runner shooter in the series, with his name 600 runs and three centuries. Nevertheless, the management in the test cricket is probably more than personal milestones. It includes tactical adaptability, the placement of an intelligent field, the timely changes in bowling and the team assembly when the momentum immerses. The upcoming tests will test Gill’s leadership more than before.
The availability of Bumhrah could decide on the series
Jasprit Bumrah remains a bowling attack by India Linkpin. Thanks to its unique ability to extract and movement, even on unresponsive surfaces, it makes it rare. Former players and experts emphasized the importance of fully fit Bumhrah – especially in conditions where opposition doughs like Joe Root and Ben Stokes are doing well. While Siraj and Jadeja played efficiently supportive roles, the availability of Bumhrah and the management of workload could significantly affect India’s prospects in Manchester and Oval.
NO. 3 remains an unresolved puzzle
The position of India No. 3 continues to be a problem. Karun Nair, brought back to the team for this series, managed only 131 runs on average 21.8. Although it still regulates cricket testing, India may consider bringing someone like Sai Sudharsan to give stability to the highest order. Reliable number 3 is essential in England, where early goals often define the tone of shifts. Whether the leadership holds naira or decides to change can be a decisive call.
Catching Fears persists
Indian catching the slip was under the expected standards throughout the series. Several key chances dropped, often due to poor placement or lack of expectations. In English conditions – where the edges are common – reliable catching for stumps is critical.
The Fielding unit, including field cordons and loved ones, must increase the game to support the pitching in the conversion of half the chances into goals.
What should India consider
- Manage the workload of Bumhrah cleverly and turn Pacers to maintain efficiency.
- Re -evaluate location 3 – solid dough, such as Sudharsan, can offer stability that NAIR does not.
- Addressing of inlets, especially in slides, with specific drills and sharper locations.
- Ensure that players have a bright role and are mentally prepared for high -pressure situations.
Injury and uncertainty
The Indian group deals with several concerns of injuries before the fourth test in Manchester. Nitish Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Akashdeep and Rishabh Pant are all nursing niggles. Unlimited Pacer Anshul Cartear has been developed into a group as a preventive step. Akashdeed’s weak problem is not considered serious, but with a small turnover time between tests, India must pedal carefully. The situation of Pant is more urgent – his left -index finger injury has ruled him out of the last phases of the previous test and his absence leaves a significant emptiness both during launching and in the goals.
Can the pants return in time?
The potential return of Rishabh Pant can be a game converter. Due to his ability to counterattack and pressure shifting it makes him invaluable, especially in the fourth output scenarios. Its maintenance was also reliable in demanding conditions. As far as fit, the hinge is expected to enter XI. India will hope for a positive message on this front before the Manchester test.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
22 July 2025
