India vs England: Ravi Shastri urges fightback after Leeds collapse

Dubai: Shubman Gill’s first match as India captain had everything — history-making centuries, a sensational collapse, and too many voices in the field.

India dominated large parts of the first Test at Headingley but unravelled under pressure, handing England a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. With murmurs growing louder over the team’s direction under coach Gautam Gambhir and the absence of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the second Test at Edgbaston has become more than just a must-win — it’s a test of leadership and identity.

The five-wicket defeat was India’s seventh in 11 Tests under Gambhir, and the bold decision to omit Shreyas Iyer has only intensified scrutiny. After posting two commanding totals — 477 and 364 — India suffered collapses of 7-41 and 6-31.

Despite becoming the first team in more than 60,000 first-class matches to lose a match in which they scored five individual centuries, they were unable to close out the game. Ben Duckett’s rapid 149 led England’s chase of 371, sealing a remarkable comeback and underlining India’s struggle to finish strong.

Adding to India’s concerns is the lack of bowling support for Jasprit Bumrah. The world No 1 Test bowler delivered a brilliant 5-83 in the first innings but went wicketless in the second as England seized the initiative. Bumrah, returning from a back injury, was initially expected to feature in only three of the five Tests. But his presence at Edgbaston now appears essential.

“Bumrah is ready to play,” India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said. “It’s how we manage these four Tests. If we feel like there’s value in playing him in this one, we’ll make that call at the very last minute.”

India may also bring in left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was overlooked in Leeds. Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 22.16 and offers a different threat from the other bowlers. Team management are weighing whether to add a second spinner to support Ravindra Jadeja, particularly on a pitch that might still offer assistance to seamers early on.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri urged the team to hit back with intent.

“The most important thing for India is to throw the counter-punch almost immediately,” he told The ICC Review. “When you lose a Test match like this, after dominating most of it, it will take a lot of character to bounce back. But all is not lost — it’s a five-match series and India will be hoping to bounce back.”

Shastri also backed Gill to grow quickly into the captaincy. “People say he was a little reactive — and it can happen in your first Test as captain. But he will have learnt a lot and will want to be more proactive now. The bowlers and fielders have to support him — they’ve got to know their roles and execute them.”

India’s fielding errors at Headingley proved costly. Harry Brook was dropped three times — once off a no-ball on zero — and went on to make a crucial 99. These lapses added to an overall lack of on-field clarity. Despite Gill’s leadership, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul were frequently seen setting fields and directing bowlers.

“At one point I felt there were too many captains,” former spinner Murali Karthik told Cricbuzz. “KL Rahul was making hand movements, Rishabh Pant was also doing it... There is only one captain.”

Gill’s own performance was a highlight. His 147 in the first innings signalled maturity, while Pant’s twin centuries and Rahul’s hundred showed that India can still bat big without their two senior-most players. But converting dominance into victory remains the challenge.

England, meanwhile, have retained the same XI after what Michael Vaughan called “Bazball with brains.” The home team pulled off the 10th-highest fourth-innings chase in Test history and looked unflustered even when trailing by over 200 runs.

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who hit the winning six to finish unbeaten on 44, said: “The important thing is to be ruthless. Once you’re on top, try to put them to bed.”

England’s bowlers struggled for early breakthroughs in the first innings but improved as the game wore on. While Jofra Archer remains in the squad, he has not been recalled to the playing XI. Instead, veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes will once again lead the attack at his Warwickshire home ground.

“I played a lot of my England games with Jimmy and Broady so it is different not having them around,” said Woakes, who has 182 wickets from 58 Tests. “But it’s a great opportunity. I’ve enjoyed that role and it’s good to pass on some knowledge to the younger guys.”

With both sides aware of how pivotal the Edgbaston clash could be, the stage is set. For Gill and India, it’s a chance to reclaim control of the series. For Stokes and England, it’s about pressing the advantage — and burying a rattled opponent before they can recover.

- With inputs from agencies