Sunil Gavaskar: It marked India’s seventh loss in their last 12 Test matches and their third consecutive defeat.
Fielding Failures Overshadow Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Debut in Leeds Loss
Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy got off to a rocky start as India lost by five wickets in Leeds despite five centuries from their batsmen. This defeat marked India’s seventh loss in 12 Tests and third consecutive defeat, leaving them 0-1 down in the five-match series against Ben Stokes’ England.
While much criticism focused on India’s batting collapses and Jasprit Bumrah’s lack of support from the pace attack, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar laid the blame squarely on substandard fielding. Speaking to Sony Sports, Sunil Gavaskar dismissed complaints about the bowling on the batting-friendly Headingley pitch, emphasizing that dropped catches and poor outfielding cost India dearly.
“Full credit to England. Despite India having five centurions, England showed confidence to take the final wickets,” Sunil Gavaskar said. “That’s where India missed out—the extra runs could have made a difference. The fielding wasn’t just about dropped catches; the outfielding was ordinary, not up to Test standards.”
He praised Bumrah’s efforts but noted the need for better bowling support. “Bumrah bowled well, but if he had tighter support, it would have helped. This is the first Test—hopefully, lessons have been learned ahead of the next match in eight days.”
Sunil Gavaskar calls for no optional practice
The Indian batting legend advised the team to take a day or two off following their loss in Leeds and to skip optional practice sessions for now.
He also referenced Cheteshwar Pujara, who has often participated in optional sessions, sometimes drawing criticism from coaching staff for not taking breaks. “I know when he has opted to bat, there have been people who have said, ‘What are you doing?’ including the coaching staff. I have been some of the coaching staff, not this one. Cheteshwar was not part of this team, they have said, ‘Can’t you have a break or something?’”
India will look to bounce back in the second Test starting July 2 at Edgbaston.