India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir admitted they ought to accept the poor days on the field just like they celebrate the good ones. India was able to snatch a win from the jaws of a draw after they won the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh despite more than two days of rain.
But India was bundled out for a paltry score of 46 runs in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, registering their lowest-ever Test score in home conditions. Despite a solid comeback in the second innings (462), India suffered an eight-wicket loss, their first against the Kiwis since 1988.
Gautam Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference, “That’s why we call cricket, or rather sports in general, a great leveler. If you enjoy days like we had in Kanpur, then you also have to accept days like the one we had in Bengaluru. But the good thing was that even after being bowled out for 46, we were still looking to win the Test match. That was important, and that’s the kind of cricket we want to play. I had said earlier that our first option is always to win, and the second option is a draw.”
“If you look at the second innings as well, there was no intention of just playing for two and a half days. We were thinking about how we could win the game. In fact, if you ask me, we were probably 100 runs away from making the match. So, I don’t think many teams would think that way after being bowled out for 46, when they still had to bat for more than two and a half days. But that’s the quality of cricket we want to play going forward.”
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is fit for selection for the second Test after recovering from a stiff neck. As Gill is all set to take his number three position, it will be interesting to note who will get the nod between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. Gambhir said picking a final XI in home conditions is a headache as they have abundance of talent in the team.
“Look, selecting the playing XI for any Test match in India is a headache because of the amount of talent we have, whether it’s in domestic or international cricket. So, it’s not just that it’s challenging here; it’s a good challenge, in fact,” said Gambhir.
“When you have good talent coming in and there’s competition for spots, it’s always a good thing. This means Indian cricket has a strong foundation and is at a good level. I don’t think the challenge will be any different in Pune compared to other places; it’s always difficult everywhere,” he added.
The second Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune from Thursday onwards.
