Team India Requires Intelligent Changes Following First Test Defeat against England

India versus England's first Test match appeared to be in India's favor for the initial four days but it all went haywire on the last day. England overcame a huge target of 371 runs by virtue of some strong batting contributions by Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. Duckett was particularly aggressive and scored 149 runs which placed India under a lot of pressure early in the day. This sudden loss has left everyone debating the team selection and strategy adopted in the match. One such voice is former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar who feels it's time for some key changes before the second Test begins in Birmingham on July 2.

Although five Indian batsmen scored centuries in the first Test India was unable to win. That indicates the issue is not solely with the batting. Gavaskar raised an eyebrow on how scoring runs does not matter if the team is not able to translate that into a win. In his opinion the bowling and fielding departments have to be improved. Based on him the Indian fielding appeared sub-Test standard. Not only the dropped catches but also players' fielding movements and throws in the outfield indicated that something was lacking. All such little things on the pitch summed up and gave England an advantage.

Gavaskar in particular advised that Kuldeep Yadav be included in the playing eleven. He is of the opinion that regardless of what Jasprit Bumrah's fitness is like Kuldeep can be the replacement for Shardul Thakur. He said that Birmingham pitch may be of some assistance to a wrist spinner and Kuldeep can capitalize on that. He also added that Bumrah bowled well in the first Test but he was not getting support from the other end which he did not receive. Having someone like Kuldeep can be a big turner of tables and assist in keeping pressure on the English batsmen.

The ex-skipper also provided his opinion regarding other potential changes. He replied that if things went wrong once again in the second Test then players like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair need to be given a chance. Gavaskar does not wish to drop players after one match but he is of the belief that there must be a Plan B in place. He also mentioned including Washington Sundar as an alternative since he provides batting depth and bowling variety. That balance would be handy in English conditions.

The reason the defeat is so disappointing is that the Indian team had done everything right through the first four days. They batted solidly and piled on huge scores with five different batsmen crossing the century mark. But cricket is a sport where momentum could change in a flash and that's what transpired on the last day. England played bold cricket and believed in their potential to chase a massive total. Their confidence was visible and they never seemed apprehensive even when the target looked beyond their reach.

Gavaskar praised England for being positive and not losing hope. He explained that India might have performed well with the bat but they did not get the important wickets at the crucial juncture. The English team had faith in themselves and it allowed them to persevere through. Gavaskar believed that India lost the time to mount pressure at the correct juncture. He also mentioned that the decline of the Indian bowlers was not aided by the pitch which was immensely good for batting. This made it difficult for them but still in his opinion, a better support staff around Bumrah could have been beneficial.

A great deal of pressure is now on captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir. The Test series is not dead and there is time to come back but it is essential that the team learns lessons from the failures of the first match. There are eight days between the first and second Tests and this break provides the team with an opportunity to think and prepare better. They need to identify the areas where things went wrong and correct them through shrewd decisions.

Fielding and bowling are two areas that require maximum attention. A small error in the field can become a crucial moment and in a game like Test cricket such moments are of great importance. Tight bowling can keep the other side under pressure and make them commit errors. India possesses talent but now it is the time to utilize that talent and make the right tactical decisions.

Fans still keep hopes alive because the Indian team gave glimpses of brilliance. The centuries are evidence that the team can play at the top level. But test match wins are not just about run-scoring. It is also about keeping your cool under pressure defending totals with application and seizing every opportunity that presents itself. The opening match was a reminder that each session matters and even a single poor session may be expensive for the game.

Sunil Gavaskar's words might sound harsh but they are coming from experience. He knows the game well and he wishes the team to perform well. His recommendations on the changes within the team are not a matter of criticizing players but of creating a team that has the maximum possibility to triumph in English conditions. Whether it is to introduce Kuldeep Yadav or provide opportunities to players such as Washington Sundar or Karun Nair the idea is to make the team stronger and provide it with more balance.

As India gets set for the second Test they have a definite agenda in front of them. Enhance the fielding consolidate the bowling and remain alert for all five days. The first defeat need not shatter the team but motivate it to return stronger. With intelligent decisions and team work they can still manage to reverse this series.