Analyzing India's Performance in the India-England Test Series

The ongoing India-England Test series has sparked significant discussion among cricket analysts, particularly following India's recent performances. With the retirement of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, expectations have shifted dramatically. This article delves into the critical moments that led to India's defeats, examining lapses in concentration and the role of media commentary in shaping public perception. As the series progresses, the focus remains on how India can capitalize on their strengths and avoid giving the English team any opportunities to dominate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 16:12 IST

Reflections on Cricket Commentary and Expectations

The saying, 'If the ifs and buts were pots and pans, there’d be no work for tinkers’ hands,' was popularized by Navjot Singh Sidhu during commentary over twenty years ago. Initially met with laughter, this remark remains pertinent today, especially as cricket analysts frequently invoke it following India's defeats. The criticisms often focus on the 'ifs and buts' surrounding the team's performance.

Expectations for the ongoing India-England Test series, known as the Tendulkar-Anderson trophy, have diminished significantly. The retirement of prominent players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and top spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led experts to lower their anticipations. However, after one loss and one win, the narrative shifted dramatically. Suddenly, Shubman Gill was deemed a suitable replacement for Kohli, and Rahul was seen as more than capable of filling Rohit's shoes. The need for spin was questioned as pace bowlers took center stage.

It’s important to recognize that cricket commentators are seasoned players who have faced formidable opponents. Their insights, while valuable, often reflect the same uncertainties we discussed earlier.

Looking at the facts, India performed well in terms of sessions won across the three Tests. At Headingley, five players scored centuries; Edgbaston saw a double century and a bowler achieving a ten-wicket haul, while at Lord’s, an opener scored a century and a bowler took five wickets. Despite these achievements, India lost two Tests due to missed key moments. Here are three critical instances that contributed to their defeats:

Key Moments of Failure

At Headingley, India suffered a collapse, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs after a strong start of 359 runs for three on Day 1. In the second innings, they repeated this pattern, losing six wickets for under 40 runs.

During the Edgbaston Test, India was five down for 211 runs but managed to score an impressive 376 runs, allowing England to escape with a draw—a risky move in the current aggressive style of English cricket.

At Lord’s, England capitalized on India's earlier mistakes, adding 215 runs for the last six wickets, with tailender Brydon Carse scoring 56 runs after Joe Root's century.

In the Headingley Test, captain Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were poised to dominate but faltered due to lapses in concentration. One could argue that their inexperience played a role, especially considering the presence of seasoned players like Cheteshwar Pujara.

At Edgbaston, Gill demonstrated growth by effectively managing the English bowlers, supported by all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, with whom he formed crucial partnerships. This strategic play led to India's victory, as England barely avoided the follow-on.

The Lord’s Test featured two pivotal moments: first, when India allowed England to recover from seven down at 271 runs, with the last three batters adding 116 runs. Second, the dismissals of Pant and K L Rahul after establishing a solid partnership were critical, with Pant run out and Rahul chasing a wide delivery. Once again, these were lapses in focus.

In each case, it wasn't solely the bowlers who caused India's downfall; it was those fleeting moments of lost concentration. This raises a question for cricket analysts: Have they never experienced similar lapses? Both teams are striving for victory, so shouldn't we afford our players some understanding?

Media's Role in Cricket Analysis

While the media often holds players, captains, coaches, and selectors accountable for losses, especially after the Lord’s Test, one must question whether India was truly in control. The current English team can outperform any opponent if given the opportunity. The key for Indian batters in the remaining Tests is to avoid providing such chances, particularly when they are batting over 100 runs.