Gautam Gambhir Praises Young Indian Team After Fourth Test Draw Against England
Gautam Gambhir's Confidence in Young Indian Squad
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed his confidence in the young players following their performance in the fourth Test against England. Despite England's impressive score of 669 runs, many anticipated an easy victory for them. However, India showcased resilience, with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both scoring centuries, ultimately leading the match to a draw.
Insights from the Post-Match Press Conference
During the post-match press conference, Gambhir addressed various questions, discussing India's current phase and providing updates on Jasprit Bumrah's condition. He also commented on England's decision to call for a draw while Jadeja and Sundar were nearing their centuries.
Gambhir Discusses India's Inexperience
When questioned about India's transition phase, Gambhir clarified that he prefers to refer to it as inexperience rather than a transition. He stated, "I wouldn’t use the term transition. This is still a strong Indian team, and the players in the dressing room are the best available. It’s not about transition; it’s about gaining experience."
Learning from Pressure Situations
Gambhir emphasized the importance of the experience gained from the match, noting, "These players will learn significantly from their performance today. Batting for five sessions under pressure on the final day against a formidable English attack is no easy feat. They managed to draw the match while losing only four wickets, which is commendable."
Jasprit Bumrah's Availability for the Next Test
Regarding Jasprit Bumrah's potential participation in the final Test, Gambhir mentioned that no decision has been made yet. He added, "Regardless of who plays, the focus will be on performing well for the country. The only challenge this team faces is inexperience."
Gambhir on England's Reaction to the Draw
A reporter inquired about the English players' dissatisfaction when India continued batting towards the end. Gambhir responded, "If a player is close to a century, they deserve the chance to achieve it. If the roles were reversed, would England have walked off? Both Jadeja and Sundar deserved their centuries, and it’s up to England how they choose to respond."
