IND vs NZ: Why was Team India all out for 46 runs? Gautam Gambhir gives a sharp response
Xtra Time Web Desk: India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has defended the team's aggressive approach following their 8-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test. The hosts were bowled out for a meager 46 runs in the first innings, a turning point in the match. Although India put up a better fight in the second innings, New Zealand secured a comfortable victory.
The loss came on the heels of India’s dominant performance against Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test, where they wrapped up the game in just two days despite rain interruptions earlier. In the pre-match press conference, Gambhir acknowledged the defeat but emphasized that such setbacks are part of the game. He reiterated that the team's focus was on pushing for a win, even after the poor start.
Gambhir further stated that India had no plans to play for a draw and instead aimed for a victory, reinforcing this aggressive mindset as the brand of cricket the team intends to pursue moving forward.
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"That's why we call cricket, or rather sports in general, a great leveler. If you enjoy days like we had in Kanpur, then you also have to accept days like the one we had in Bengaluru. But the good thing was that even after being bowled out for 46, we were still looking to win the Test match. That was important, and that's the kind of cricket we want to play."
Selecting playing XI for India anywhere is a good headache
India faces a few challenging selection decisions ahead of the upcoming Pune Test, with Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and KL Rahul competing for a spot in the playing XI. Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged the dilemma, noting that selecting a playing XI for India, particularly on home soil, is a "headache" due to the wealth of talent available.
With each of these players bringing unique strengths to the table, the final choice will depend on the team’s strategy and conditions in Pune. Gambhir emphasized that having such a pool of skilled players is a good problem to have, though it complicates decision-making for the team management.
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"Look, selecting the playing XI for any Test match in India is a headache because of the amount of talent we have, whether it’s in domestic or international cricket. So, it’s not just that it’s challenging here; it’s a good challenge, in fact. When you have good talent coming in and there’s competition for spots, it’s always a good thing. This means Indian cricket has a strong foundation and is at a good level. I don't think the challenge will be any different in Pune compared to other places; it's always difficult everywhere," said Gambhir.
India and New Zealand will square off in the Pune Test from October 24, Thursday.
