As stinging as Tuesday’s five-wicket reverse against England in the first Test at Headingley was, India coach Gautam Gambhir put up a brave face and refused to single out anyone.
There were dropped catches galore, twin lower-order batting failures, and a bowling attack—with the honourable exception of Jasprit Bumrah—that blew hot and cold.
“The first thing is that catches get dropped,” Gambhir said after the match. “The best fielders drop catches. The lower-order batting was a bit disappointing. If we had made 600 in the first innings, we could have dominated. Hopefully, we will learn in the second Test [in Birmingham].
“But that is not the only reason we lost. Everyone wants to contribute, and I won’t single out anyone. We lose together and win together.”
READ: ENG vs IND, 1st Test: Duckett’s majestic 149 helps England to famous win in Headingley classic
Asked if such a huge defeat, where India allowed England to literally cruise to a 371-run target, would demoralise a young team led by a first-time captain, Gambhir said that the loss will hurt the same, new team or not.
“Every defeat is bad. It’s not about the young team. It’s about the experience. We take pride in winning each and every game for our country. Young team is not an excuse. We represent 140 crore proud Indians, and we will try to give our absolute best with no excuses.”
Gambhir also confirmed that the loss will not change the fact that Bumrah will play only two more Tests during this tour.
“To manage his workload is more important. There’s a lot of cricket going forward, and we know what he brings to the table. Before we came on this tour, it was already decided that he was going to play three Test matches. We haven’t decided which two other Tests he’s going to play.”