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The recent India vs. New Zealand Test series has been a bitter pill to swallow for the Indian team, with two losses in two matches at home, resulting in a series loss and a looming threat of a clean sweep. Even seasoned professionals in India's Test setup are unfamiliar with this level of defeat, leaving the team grappling with disappointment and a need for introspection.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, in a candid interview, acknowledged the pain of the losses and emphasized the importance of learning from them. He highlighted that the team's struggles were not just a matter of losing but a reflection of the need for improvement. Gambhir, who has always been known for his aggressive approach, attributed the decline in defensive skills among Indian batters to the dominance of T20 cricket, where the emphasis is on aggressive scoring. He pointed out that successful Test cricketers, like Virat Kohli, have always been known for their strong defense, which forms the foundation of their batting in the longer format.
Gambhir also expressed concern over the rising trend of aggressive batting in T20 cricket potentially affecting the defensive skills of Test cricketers. He believes that the more T20 cricket is played, the less emphasis will be placed on defensive techniques. While he acknowledged the challenges in adapting to the changing landscape of cricket, Gambhir expressed confidence that young batters can unlearn the ultra-aggressive approach required in shorter formats. He also hinted at the possibility of having separate batting units for Test and limited-overs cricket formats in the future, given the growing need to identify players who are specifically skilled in red-ball cricket.
This situation throws light on the evolving dynamics of cricket, where the influence of T20 cricket is undeniable. As the game continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the balance between offensive and defensive skills can be maintained, and if India will be able to identify and nurture players who can excel in both formats of the game.
Source: India vs New Zealand: The series loss is obviously hurting, and it should hurt, says Gambhir