Former England off-spinner Monty Panesar stated that the upcoming five-match Test series between England and India, starting on June 20, will be a huge test for head coach Gautam Gambhir. The southpaw has had a rocky start to his red-ball career as India has lost two consecutive Test series against New Zealand (3:0 at home) and to Australia (3-1 away). The cricketer-turned-expert believes that the former India opener will be under more pressure than India's new Test captain, Shubman Gill.
With the Test retirements of Ravi Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, a young-look Indian side will be aiming to play fearlessly and emulate what their predecessors did. However, Gambhir's role would be huge in giving the youngsters confidence and freedom to do well.
"Gambhir clearly wants to build a young team that follows his methods. He's a tough taskmaster and disciplinarian. This is a tour where Gambhir can shape these players without the influence or resistance of senior stars. If India wins, it will largely seen as the beginning of a new era under Gambhir. If Gambhir leads this young Indian side to a series win in England, we will begin mentioning him alongside best coaches - Andy Flower, Ricky Ponting, and Stephen Fleming," Panesar told to Times of India.
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Monty Panesar feels Bazball approach won't be effective against a quality Indian bowling attack
The former England spinner also stated that the side's Bazball strategy could prove to be ineffective as India possess a quality bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. Panesar feels England should be a bit cautious in approach and then take the attacking option.
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"As for Bazball, I think it could be a dangerous strategy. Indian bowlers have too much experience and would love for England batters to come hard, score at six and seven an over, and get bowled out for 200-220 in 40-50 overs. That would put India in control. So, I expect England batters to be a bit more cautious. If they go all guns blazing from the start, it could backfire."
Panesar concluded by saying that England will have a slight edge in the five-match Test series if there is a tinge of green on the surfaces. However, the expert said if the pitches are flat, then India has the upper hand.
