CLOSE-IN: India Desperately Needs a Test Match Victory (IANS Column)

December 8, 2024 proved to be a disastrous day for Indian cricket. Both the Men's and Women's Test squads succumbed to losses against Australia, and the Indian U19 team fell short in the Asia Cup final against Bangladesh. The sorrow stemming from these defeats starkly highlights the current challenges facing Indian cricket. Each player has the potential to shine, yet there seems to be an underlying issue affecting their performance.

A recurring theme in India's past failures has often been attributed to a lack of mental fortitude, anxiety, or an overwhelming fear of failing. Observing the Gen Z players of Indian cricket on the field, it appears that these concerns hold little weight. The young cricketers, whether men or women, exude confidence, are bold risk-takers, and exhibit an aggressive approach to the game. While such an attitude is commendable during successful spells, it can lead to confusion in challenging situations.

The rise of the popular T20 format and the IPL in India may be contributing to the issues faced by Indian cricketers. The focus on performing well in the shortest format can overshadow abilities in longer formats. A notable example of this was seen in the U-19 Asia Cup final. The 13-year-old prodigy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was recently picked for 1.1 crore in the IPL auction, approached his innings more like a pinch hitter than a traditional opener. While he may have excelled against weaker opponents like Nepal, he faltered against stronger teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh, not due to lack of talent but rather immaturity and attitude.

Similarly, another promising opener from Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre, adopted a similar strategy, seemingly more focused on impressing IPL franchises than securing victories for India.

It’s difficult to fault these players for their approach, as modern batting trends emphasize aggression and are celebrated by millions of cricket enthusiasts. However, this hard-hitting style often undermines the subtle artistry needed to play the ball delicately or with finesse. This results in technical errors and challenges in facing swinging or turning deliveries.

In contrast, players like Joe Root from England and Kane Williamson from New Zealand are currently exemplifying the best in the game. Once settled, they methodically build their innings and score substantial runs without the reckless flashing and missing that often characterizes younger, more aggressive players. Their consistency highlights that mastering the fundamentals and understanding the game situation is far more essential than occasional flamboyance.

The Test series between India and Australia is now at a stalemate. India triumphed over Australia in the first Test but was decisively defeated in the subsequent match.

This series has been highly anticipated, showcasing two of the top teams in global cricket. The surrounding discourse among experts and media is particularly entertaining, as established players face criticism for underwhelming performances. Yet, a single strong showing can quickly transform perceptions.

Virat Kohli, who has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket for the past decade, is under scrutiny for technical shortcomings. Despite scoring a splendid century in the first Test, his subsequent failure has drawn sharp criticism. Similarly, captain Rohit Sharma is experiencing pressure due to his struggles as both a batsman and a leader. Both players are undoubtedly great talents, and with three more Tests on the horizon, it’s just a matter of time before they reclaim their form.

Steve Smith, a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup, has also faltered. The Australian batting order, apart from Travis Head, appears vulnerable and could be exploited by Indian bowlers in the upcoming matches. Australia needs Smith to regain form, especially as Head, along with players like Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Nitish Reddy, represent a new generation of exciting cricketers. Each has their own flair, yet none have consistently proven to be reliable.

India's challenge lies in the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler. He experienced a slight injury in the last Test. While there is a suggestion for left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja to replace Harshit Rana, the potential absence of Bumrah may hinder such a decision.

The upcoming third Test in Brisbane is crucial for India. A victory is essential not only for boosting their morale but also for maintaining their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final in 2025.

Currently, the Australian side does not appear to be particularly imposing or superior to India. The Indian top-order batsmen must excel to secure victories. They demonstrated their capability in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, and away from the pink ball and day-night conditions, they should feel more comfortable with the red ball—a format in which they have historically succeeded and desperately need to do so again.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former Indian cricketer. The views expressed are personal.)