Team India has returned home after beating Australia on their soil, but such miracles do not happen very frequently. However, regarding the Chennai Test against England, I would say that India if manages a draw, it will be good for India. Being the first match of the series, India might be under immense pressure, and it is reflecting in their game. Although, Rishabh Pant is in a good form nowadays, India needs to learn that they but cannot depend on some of the players all the time.
Virat Kohli has returned to the team after several matches. He was too defensive in the first innings, and I have a little doubt about his approach in the second inning as well. On the fifth day you should go for a draw till lunch. You should not even think about winning. But it does not mean that your game switches completely to the defensive gear, as such thinking often leads you to defeat.
I was disappointed to see the way Rohit Sharma gave away his wicket. His playing style before the spinners has been under question for quite a while. He should understand that now he has to shoulder the responsibility of opening the innings in a Test match. If he gets out on similar occasions, he will lose his place, as many youngsters are strong contenders for the opening slot.
But it is also the fact that if this was the Mumbai or Nagpur pitch, he would have played well. However, it is important to mold your game according to the conditions, which is not seen by him. When the pitch is slow and the ball comes to bat very slowly, Rohit goes off the colour.
Batting will be quite difficult, as the ball is reverse-swinging, and some deliveries are staying quite low. It is a misconception that in such a situation only spinners can wreak havoc, I believe, that in such a situations, the role of fast bowlers is too important.
Jack Leach’s sharp spin and the way Jofra Archer is utilising the bounce makes it quite evident that India will have a tough time on the fifth and the final day. Dom Bess also exhibited his ability to scalp crucial wickets during the first innings, and finally not to forget the fact that Anderson can also wreak havoc on such pitches.
It will be good for Team India to save this match. If India survives, it will be as good as clinching a victory.
Writer is a former fast bowler of Team India, and a cricket expert. Views expressed are writer’s personal.