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"Seriously Now Practice": Sunil Gavaskar Urges India To Ditch Rust Before 2nd Test

Akshita Patel

Sunil Gavaskar reacts to India's loss in Leeds [Source: @ICC, @BCCI/X.com]Sunil Gavaskar reacts to India's loss in Leeds [Source: @ICC, @BCCI/X.com]

India lost the first Test match against England at Headingley, despite some good individual performances with the bat. The team made five centuries across both innings but still failed to defend a huge target of 371 runs, and before the series goes ahead, Sunil Gavaskar urged India to level up.

England chased down 371 runs on Day 5 comfortably to win the Leeds Test by 5 wickets. The hosts are 1-0 in the series, with the second Test scheduled for July 2 at Edgbaston.

Sunil Gavaskar Highlights India’s Lack Of Preparation

Following India’s loss in the Leeds Test, former India captain and legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment. Talking to Sony Sports and as quoted by Indian Express, he urged Shubman Gill and co. to level up before it's too late. He feels the young team is lacking the necessary practice.

“Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best,” Gavaskar said.

Not only that, but he felt that although the pitch was good for batting, India’s bowling and fielding let them down. Gavaskar pointed out that missed chances and ordinary ground fielding cost India extra runs, which could have changed the result.

"Full credit to England. Despite India having five centurions, they seemed to have that confidence. That is what made them take the final wickets. So that is where India also missed out because those extra runs could have made the difference. As far as the fielding was concerned, it’s just not the catch, but the outfielding was pretty ordinary. Not Test class,” he added.

Gavaskar Backs Indian Seamers Despite Disappointing Show

Indian seam bowlers were ineffective on the Headingley pitch, as they picked up only 15 wickets in two innings. Jasprit Burmah did more work with a five-wicket-haul in the first inning, but he went wicketless in the second inning.

“Very good pitch to bat on so very tough to criticise the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. If he had somebody, keeping it bit tight, that would have been big help. But this is the first Test. Hopefully, lessons have been learned. There are eight days for the next match."

However, Sunil Gavaskar feels bowlers are not to be blamed for the loss, as the pitch was flat. He added that India hopefully learned their lesson and must bounce back before it's too late.