Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has rallied the Indian team to remain upbeat and show character as they gear up for a crucial second Test in Birmingham. Following a painful defeat in the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle at Headingley, Shastri believes India must channel their frustration into a spirited response at Edgbaston to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
Despite dominating large portions of the first Test, India faltered on the final day as England chased down a challenging target, exposing India’s lapses in discipline and execution. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasised the need for India to respond with conviction. “The most important thing for India is to throw the counter punch almost immediately. You need character to bounce back after losing from a strong position,” he said.
Shastri downplayed concerns over team selection and instead highlighted the importance of playing with intent. According to him, mental approach and urgency will be key in turning the tide of the series.
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Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second Test remains uncertain, with the management keeping a close eye on his workload. Given the length of the series and the broader WTC campaign, the team is weighing the risk of overburdening their premier pacer. India is also assessing the need for a second spinner to partner Ravindra Jadeja, depending on pitch conditions.
“Whether Bumrah plays or doesn’t, one doesn’t know. But let’s hope he does. This is a very important Test and all is not lost. It’s a long series—one game at a time,” Ravi Shastri added.
Shastri also backed young captain Shubman Gill, suggesting the Headingley loss would serve as a learning curve. “People say he was a little reactive, and that can happen in your first match as captain. But he’ll learn quickly and be more proactive,” Shastri noted.
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He stressed that Gill’s success will depend on how well the bowlers and fielders execute plans under his leadership. “Everyone needs to know their roles and support the captain. Execution is everything,” he concluded.
