India’s challenges in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir grew worse after a hard-fought five-wicket loss to England in the series opener at Headingley. This defeat marks a troubling chapter in India’s recent red-ball struggles.
Shubman Gill faced the tough realities of Test cricket as his tenure as India’s Test captain started with a bitter defeat. England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ style took control in a gripping match that lasted five days. Both teams showed grit and patience, but England’s chase of 371 runs was led by Ben Duckett’s blazing 149 and Joe Root’s calm unbeaten 53, guiding the hosts to victory. This chase ranks as England’s second-highest ever in Test history.
While Gambhir has had great success with India in shorter formats, including T20I dominance and a Champions Trophy win, his impact in Tests has been far less impressive. Since the home series against New Zealand began in October last year, India has lost seven of nine Tests. This poor form includes a home whitewash by New Zealand, a 3-1 series loss in Australia, and now this close defeat in England.
Despite this difficult run, India did have a shining moment with a strong 295-run win in Perth against Australia. They also managed to escape a loss in Brisbane when rain led to a drawn Test.
Adding to India’s woes is the continued winless streak of vice-captain Rishabh Pant in away Tests, even when he scores centuries. Since 2018, Pant’s hundreds abroad have not led to a win. His 118 against England in 2018 came in a losing effort. A year later, his unbeaten 159 in Australia ended in a draw. In 2022, his 100* in South Africa coincided with a defeat. The same year, Pant scored 146 in England, but India lost. His recent twin centuries of 134 and 118 in England have also failed to bring victory.
In this latest defeat, India made history in an unwanted way. They became the first team to lose a Test match where five individual batters scored centuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), KL Rahul (137), and Rishabh Pant (134 and 118) all hit hundreds. India’s total of 835 runs in this match is the fourth-highest ever by a team that ended up losing.
India’s Test cricket outlook remains uncertain as they seek solutions to break this troubling streak. The performances show individual brilliance but highlight the need for a stronger team effort and better strategy under Gambhir’s leadership.
