India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has weighed in on the current challenges faced by batsmen in Test cricket, attributing these difficulties largely to the proliferation of T20 cricket. According to Gambhir, the shorter format of the game has significantly eroded the defensive capabilities of many modern batsmen, a fundamental skill essential for success in the longer format of the game.
Speaking before the third Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Gambhir drew comparisons between contemporary players and some of the greats of the past who excelled in Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of having a solid defensive technique. “To be a successful Test cricketer, you see people like Virat [Kohli], you see all the great players who’ve done really well in Test cricket for a long period of time, they’ve always had good defence. The foundation of your batting in Test cricket has to be defence,” Gambhir remarked. He underlined that while attacking flair is essential, it is the defensive solidity that forms the crux of a batsman’s competence in Test cricket.
Gambhir believes the rising importance of T20 matches, often played on flat wickets conducive to aggressive batting, has seen players neglect the honing of their defensive skills. “We need to keep tightening our game,” Gambhir noted, expressing concerns that as T20 cricket continues to expand globally, more players might gravitate away from cultivating a strong defence. “Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20,” he added.
He suggested that the future of cricket might require a more refined approach in player selection, considering specialization based on formats. “It is important if we can identify solid red ball cricketers. Because ultimately, to get the results, you will have to work really hard for 3 or 4 days or 5 days to be honest,” Gambhir indicated. The task of pinpointing players who can effectively handle the enduring demands of Test cricket—a format that requires patience and skill over endurance—is something the cricketing authorities might have to navigate deliberately, he explained.
To illustrate his point, soon after his media interaction, one of the promising talents, Shubman Gill, was seen intensively practicing his defensive strokes in the nets against a barrage of left-arm spinners. This scene echoes Gambhir’s belief that it is possible to elevate a player’s defensive prowess even if they are primarily conditioned by the shorter formats of the game.
. “To a certain extent, yes you can,” Gambhir asserted, explaining that it often depends on the individual’s commitment to improving their defensive game.
However, he admitted that mastering the art of defence is not an overnight transformation. “It’s a continuous process. We need to keep working on it,” he maintained, urging players to recognize the pivotal role of defence, especially on challenging, turning tracks. Gambhir emphasized the need for continuous education and reinforcement of these skills, which are crucial to achieving success in Test matches.
The current series against New Zealand, which India trails 0-2 despite playing on home turf, has been a stark reminder of these challenges. The Indian batsmen’s undoing on a dry track in Pune, leading to their defeat, underscores the vital importance of having robust defence mechanisms. “We need to keep defending better,” stated Gambhir, reflecting on the lessons learned from these defeats.
He highlighted that confidence in one’s defence on turning wickets can sort out multiple problems for batsmen. Gambhir elaborated on the nuances of defense in Test cricket, advocating for players who have the ability to transition between formats successfully. “A complete cricketer is a cricketer who plays T20 format really successfully and also Test cricket really successfully. He can adapt his game.” His vision for growth as a cricketer encompasses the balance of power hitting with the art of session batting, he explained.
As the Indian cricket team recalibrates their strategies, Gambhir’s insights shed light on a broader discourse in the global cricketing community. Finding the balance between attacking prowess for shorter formats and a steadfast approach in longer formats remains an evolving challenge as international cricket continues to embrace multiple formats concurrently.