Bengaluru: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the players to pursue a “high risk, high reward” approach in Test cricket even if it comes at the cost of getting out cheaply on some days.
India stunned the cricketing world by playing ‘Bazball on steroids’ mode while chasing a victory in the recent Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. Despite the loss of more than two days due to rain, the team raced to victory with almost half a day to spare, winning the contest by seven wickets.
After dismissing Bangladesh for 233, India produced a scintillating batting display to declare their first innings at 285/9 in 34.4 overs at a sizzling run rate of 8.22 runs per over. The bowlers backed up the performances of the batters and bundled out the visitors for 133 in just 47 overs. Set a target of 95, India chased down the total in 17.2 overs to complete a remarkable victory and seal a record-extending 18th successive series win at home.
The Asian giants, who sit atop the World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, will look to extend their winning run in the three-match New Zealand series, which begins at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from Wednesday, October 16.
Gambhir endorses ultra-aggressive approach
Ahead of the series opener, India head coach Gambhir spoke to the reporters and endorsed the ultra-aggressive approach.
“Why do we need to hold on to people? If they can play the natural game, if they cs an get 400-500 runs in a day, why not? We will play it that way — high risk, high reward, high risk, high failure,” Gambhir told reporters ahead of the three-match series against New Zealand.
“There will be days when we’ll get bundled out for 100 and we’ll take it up then. But we’ll continue to back our players to go out there and play high-risk cricket,” he added.
However, Gambhir also said that assessing conditions and adapting according to the situation will remain important for his side.
Gambhir also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deal with any situation without renouncing the team’s motto of pushing the limits.
‘We don’t fear anyone’
Gambhir admitted that despite the Kiwis’ ability to hurt the hosts, the team will play “hard cricket” to fetch the desired results.
He also said that there is immense respect for the Kiwis but the team doesn’t fear anyone and wants to play selfless, hard cricket irrespective of which opponent the team is facing.
Following the three-match home series against the Kiwis, India will embark on a challenging tour of Australia where the team will play a five-Test series.
The first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played in Perth from November 22 to 26 before the action moves to the Adelaide Oval for a Day-Night Test.
The third, fourth and fifth Tests will be played in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney respectively.
IND vs NZ: The Asian giants, who sit atop the World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, will look to extend their winning run in the three-match New Zealand series Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
