Despite solid contributions from the top order, India\u2019s lower-order batting collapsed on both occasions, leaving the side with sub-par totals and enabling England to chase down a mammoth 371 in the final innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra, analysing the loss on his YouTube channel, pointed to a glaring lack of balance in the Indian lineup. \u201cOur tail doesn\u2019t bat and our top order doesn\u2019t bowl. They should bowl a little at least. I am not saying that you need to give 15-odd overs, that you should have a player like Jacques Kallis, or like they (South Africa) are playing Wiaan Mulder at No. 3, or Aiden Markram is bowling a lot,\u201d Chopra said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Referring to South Africa\u2019s approach during the recent World Test Championship final, Chopra added, \u201cMulder, despite not being a top-order batter, has been promoted up the order for South Africa. It will work out even if that\u2019s not the case. That\u2019s not something you need to focus on. However, you need a little bit of bowling at least because you get some balance, options, and choices with that. However, that doesn\u2019t happen because our batters don\u2019t bowl.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India did include Shardul Thakur for the Headingley Test, but he failed to make a significant impact with either bat or ball. \u201cHe has shown in the past that he can score runs and pick wickets,\u201d Chopra acknowledged while highlighting India\u2019s broader problems in the format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Since getting whitewashed by New Zealand at home last November, India have managed just one victory in nine Tests \u2014 a streak that Chopra said is turning up the heat on Gambhir. \u201cThere is a lot of pressure on Gautam Gambhir. The pressure is absolutely mounting. If you look at his performances in Test cricket, you will find that he has not won a lot of matches,\u201d Chopra said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe won two matches against Bangladesh and one against Australia. However, he lost three against New Zealand, three against Australia, and one against England. He has been continuously losing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra warned that if the Indian team fails to mount a comeback in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gambhir\u2019s position could come under serious scrutiny. \u201cIf the England series doesn\u2019t go too well, then there will be a question mark \u2013 where are they going and what are they doing? Because the selectors will feel that whatever the team management is asking for is being given. The type of player you want, the number of players you want, and the player you are pointing at are being given. So, if that is the case, you need to deliver the results. Period. There are no excuses.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe won two matches against Bangladesh and one against Australia. However, he lost three against New Zealand, three against Australia, and one against England. He has been continuously losing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n