India’s approach on day one at Edgbaston felt like a team playing against its nature. Instead of the usual swagger and counter-punching style that has often defined their modern Test cricket, they chose caution, discipline, and control. At the heart of this transformation was Rishabh Pant, a batter renowned for his attacking instincts, now reined in by a new team philosophy under coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.
Pant, usually the embodiment of chaos and flair, was almost unrecognisable. For the better part of an hour, he produced a series of patient leaves, blocks, and watchful shots, punctuated by only one authoritative sweep and a crisp six. The restraint was almost theatrical at times even the crowd, sensing the oddity, started to jeer when he opted for another forward defence instead of attacking a ball begging to be hit. Eventually, he couldn’t resist and took on Shoaib Bashir once more. But the shot lacked conviction, a product of tentativeness born from suppressing his natural instincts. The result was a tame dismissal, caught short of the boundary rope.
This new safety-first mindset was evident across the Indian side. Gill played a gritty knock, compiling his century at a pedestrian pace, seemingly under strict orders to dig in. The team selection reflected the same conservatism. India left out two of their most dangerous bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav opting instead for three all-rounders in a bid to deepen the batting while preserving bowling options. The decision backfired, especially with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who misjudged a leave and was bowled for just one.
What India hoped would be a balanced and secure line-up ended up looking uncertain and underpowered. By denying themselves the game’s best pacer and a world-class wrist-spinner, they effectively removed the two bowlers England least wanted to face. That strategic generosity played right into the home team’s hands. England, used to facing aggressive declarations and relentless pace, were given a day of relative comfort. India’s 310 for five, while decent on paper, never truly put pressure on England. Instead, it left them feeling right in the contest.
India’s current predicament is not just about personnel but philosophy. The team is attempting to embrace a version of Test cricket that doesn’t reflect the strengths of its key players. Caution and control may be admirable virtues in certain contexts, but for a team capable of playing with force and flair, this defensive instinct seems misplaced especially in English conditions, where momentum can swing quickly. The result was a day where India batted, but it was England who smiled.
