Is Gautam Gambhir Facing Increased Pressure?

New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) The mounting challenges in Test cricket are intensifying the pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir, as highlighted by former cricketer Aakash Chopra, following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley.

Despite commendable performances from the top order, India's lower-order batting faltered repeatedly, resulting in inadequate totals that allowed England to successfully chase down a daunting 371 runs in the last innings.

Chopra, in his analysis on YouTube, emphasized a significant imbalance within the Indian squad. “Our tail fails to contribute, and our top order lacks bowling options. They ought to be able to bowl at least a few overs. I’m not suggesting they need to deliver 15 overs, but having a versatile player like Jacques Kallis or Wiaan Mulder from South Africa, who bats at No. 3 and contributes with the ball, is vital,” Chopra stated.

He compared this to South Africa's strategy in the recent World Test Championship final, mentioning, “Mulder, though not a regular top-order batter, has been moved up the batting order for South Africa. This strategy can yield results even if it's unconventional. The focus shouldn’t solely be on this, but having bowlers in the lineup provides essential balance and options. Unfortunately, our batters are not contributing with the ball.”

While India brought in Shrardul Thakur for the Headingley Test, his impact with bat and ball was minimal. “He’s shown he can make runs and take wickets in the past,” Chopra noted, pointing to India's ongoing issues in this format.

Since their home whitewash against New Zealand last November, India has secured only one victory in their last nine Tests—a streak that Chopra believes is increasing the scrutiny on Gambhir. “There is significant pressure on Gautam Gambhir. The stakes are rising. Analyzing his Test cricket record, it’s evident he hasn’t secured many victories,” Chopra remarked.

“He has two wins against Bangladesh and one against Australia, but lost three to New Zealand, three to Australia, and one to England. The trend of continuous losses is concerning.”

Chopra cautioned that if the Indian team does not recover during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gambhir's position could be at risk. “If the England series doesn’t improve, questions will arise regarding the team's direction and performance. The selectors will expect results based on the resources and player types provided by the management. If that expectation is not met, there will be no room for excuses.”

Despite the growing criticism, Gambhir remains resolute, expressing confidence in his young bowling lineup to bounce back for the second Test at Edgbaston starting Wednesday. “When we select the squad, we do it based on trust, not mere hope. These players will deliver for us,” Gambhir stated following the defeat at Headingley.