London : As the gripping first Test between India and England headed into its final day, several key takeaways emerged — India’s batting rhythm, England’s tactical sharpness under Ben Stokes, and the growing aura of Rishabh Pant. Amidst all the buzz, KL Rahul, speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Match Centre Live’, opened up about his return to red-ball cricket and how a stint with India A played a crucial role in his preparation.
“It’s never easy switching between formats — especially in such a short span,” Rahul said. “That’s why I made the decision to travel to England early. Playing with India A against the England Lions gave me that essential game time. Facing the Dukes ball again, adjusting to the chilly, breezy conditions — it helped me get back into the rhythm of Test cricket.”
Rahul highlighted the importance of spending time in the middle — leaving deliveries, adjusting tempo, and mentally aligning himself with the demands of the format. He credited the match practice with India A as a confidence booster that allowed him to settle seamlessly into the squad.
He also praised the team environment, calling it “relaxed and welcoming.”
“It’s an open space. Whether you’re a senior or junior, everyone’s open to sharing experiences. That culture of communication is key, especially in testing English conditions,” he added.
Manjrekar on India’s Batting Tempo and Stokes’ Tactical Prowess
JioHotstar expert Sanjay Manjrekar analysed India’s fourth-innings approach, suggesting that the team could have shown more urgency.
“India were scoring at six an over in the second session but dropped to three in the final phase. That’s a missed opportunity. Someone like Ravindra Jadeja, especially with the tail, tends to play safe. It may cost the side some momentum,” he observed.
He praised Ben Stokes for a subtle but effective fielding strategy:
“Typically, captains bring in the field for the final balls to force errors. But Stokes spread the field throughout, restricting boundaries while letting singles go. It was clever, as it slowed down the scoring and unsettled the batter’s rhythm.”
Pant’s Wicketkeeping Batting Brilliance
Manjrekar also spotlighted Rishabh Pant, hailing his dual role:
“Pant is not just a batter — he’s India’s first-choice wicketkeeper and a century-maker in English conditions. That puts him in a rare category. The comparisons with names like Dravid and Tendulkar aren’t exaggerated anymore. He could genuinely match or surpass Dravid’s record of six hundreds in England. And remember — he’s still just getting started.”
On KL Rahul’s Technique
Despite occasional inconsistency, Rahul’s technique earns admiration across cricketing circles.
“He’s almost flawless technically, especially in SENA countries. With five Test centuries outside Asia, only Sunil Gavaskar has done better among Asian openers. That’s why I call him the Senapati — the commander — in tough away tours.”
India’s Chances on Day 5
Manjrekar gave India a 70-30 edge going into the final day:
“Bumrah is in rhythm. The pitch has begun to aid spinners, with rough patches forming for Jadeja. England’s aggressive style means they’ll look to attack, but that also increases risk. It’s going to be a test of temperament — not just for the players, but also for young skipper Shubman Gill. Facing England’s ‘Bazball’ on debut as Test captain is a trial by fire.”
Verdict: Confidence, Challenge, and a Defining Day Ahead
With KL Rahul speaking of mindful preparation, and cricket pundits dissecting every tactical nuance, the first Test has shaped up as a riveting contest. Whether India can seize the final day remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — this series is already offering moments that will shape the future of Indian Test cricket.
