As they attempt to even the current five-match Test series against England in Birmingham, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the team to maintain their optimistic attitude. Despite controlling much of the game, India lost the inaugural Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle at Headingley.
The visitors need to get back together fast for a crucial match that might decide the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy contest now that the series is moving to Edgbaston for the second Test. Ravi Shastri highlighted the significance of playing intent-driven cricket, which he believes is essential for India to recover in the series, and voiced minimal anxiety over team selection.
“India’s first priority is to launch the counterattack as soon as possible. “It will take a lot of character to come to the fore and to bounce back in the series when you lose a Test match like this where you have dominated most of it and then you lose it on the last day with a big chase and full marks to England for keeping their composure and doing that,” Ravi Shastri told The ICC Review.
India’s pace leader Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second Test is still up in the air as the team management attempts to carefully control his effort. His selection is still being considered because he has a lengthy series ahead of him and needs to stay healthy for the full World Test Championship cycle.
As they try to find the ideal balance in their bowling assault for the conditions at Edgbaston, the squad is also considering its alternatives for a second spinner to assist Ravindra Jadeja.
It is unknown at this point whether Bumrah plays or not. But because this is a crucial Test match and there is still chance, let’s hope he does. Simply take each game as it comes.
India will be looking to recover in this five-match series,” Ravi Shastri stated.
The cricket player-turned-commentator anticipates that Shubman Gill, the recently chosen captain, will have learnt a lot from India’s series opener loss and will take a more active stance in the subsequent games.
“People say he was a little reactive and it can happen when you’re playing your first Test match (as captain) and especially in such good batting conditions with a fast outfield and things can happen in that way,” Ravi Shastri stated.
“However, he would have gained a lot of knowledge from that and will wish to be a bit more proactive going forward, so the fielders and bowlers will need to support him.” They must understand their responsibilities and go out and fulfil them,” he said.
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