VIZAG: There were moments on the fourth day of the second Test when India struggled to find answers as England attacked. The 106-run win, coach Rahul Dravid said, was a result of the individual brilliance of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah.
“It’s good to bounce back,” said Dravid. “We were put under pressure at various times, but I think a couple of individual brilliances kept us in the game in the first couple of days. Yashasvi’s 209 in the first innings, and then Bumrah’s spell kept us ahead. We needed more of a team performance to get us over the line. It is going to be tough cricket over the next three Tests.”
Dravid said it was good to be on the right side of the result given that there are a lot of young players in the Indian team. "Don't know what it is to have everyone fit. In World Cup we thought we had had everyone fit and Hardik was injured. Considering that we were behind and under pressure at various stages, we responded very well. Good to get the result."
2nd Test: India beat England to level series
Dravid said players need to find a balance in their approach. “People will make mistakes when playing positively. There is no perfect answer. We have a lot of young batsmen coming through, still figuring out Test cricket. It is a work in progress and hopefully we get to do better.”
The Indian coach was impressed by England’s approach. “They played some fantastic cricket. There is more to it (‘Bazball’) than attacking cricket. They have arrived with a lot of experienced players. Three players have 100 Tests, one is closing in on 100. A lot of inexperience in their spin. It is going to be a tough series. Considering the way both sides played, 1-1 is fair,” he said.
Dravid clarified there was no internal pressure on Shubman Gill going into this Test. “He (Gill) came in to this Test under pressure externally. Internally, no pressure. We’re happy with the way he applied himself. He can become the absolute best in all three formats.”
‘Ishan needs to start playing to be considered’ On wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s prolonged absence, Dravid said, “There is a way back for everyone. I just don’t want to go lingering about Ishan Kishan. He requested a break. Whenever ready, he has to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are in touch with him.”
Dravid also sprang to KS Bharat’s defence. The wicketkeeper had a poor outing with the bat in his first Test at home and conceded 15 byes in the match. “Young players tend to grow at their own pace. His ’keeping in this match was good,” Dravid said.
The pitches in both Tests have been widely debated and giving his take on the situation, Dravid said, “We don’t ask for rank turners. I am not an expert. Wickets in India over 4-5 days will turn. How much they turn, might (be a) surprise. Sometimes I get told they turn on Day 2 and don’t turn even on Day 4. Will go to Rajkot and see what we get.”