That mindset has seeped into India's batting innings" - Former wicketkeeper calls out India's flat body language in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta noted how the Men in Blue's poor body language on the field during Australia's assault in the first innings of the third Test at The Gabba affected their mindset while batting. The Men in Blue were made to toil hard for 117.1 overs as the hosts piled on 445 runs, where both Travis Head and Steve Smith recorded hundreds.
The Indian batting unit needed to be at the top of their game to challenge the imperious total that the Men in Yellow put. However, the same old story transpired where the top order collapsed against the new ball, with the constant rain interruptions not helping the case either.
India were reduced to 44-4 in the 14th over as the Australian pace trio ran havoc. KL Rahul was the sole batter who looked relatively secure with his technique, while the rest of the batting unit departed while attempting to play flashy strokes, bringing their questionable judgment into the picture.
Dasgupta expressed concern regarding India's body language while they were fielding.
"Let's jog your mind to the first half an hour of the day. How falt were India on the field. I was a bit concerned back then and now it is kind of manifesting itself now. That attitude and that mindset has seeped into India's batting innings. It's not an individual one but a team sport. It seems like everyone is on their own right now," Dasgupta said on air (via India Today)
Team India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant has often tried to lift his teammates' spirit with his constant chirping, which has been captured on the stump mic at times. However, the visitors looked completely deflated after a demoralizing Day 2, where Bumrah's five-wicket haul was the sole positive.
"You can't ask them to come and bat in that first 10 overs almost every innings in these testing conditions" - Former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta
Australia have prioritized protecting their middle order for as long as possible, and it has been rewarding. The likes of Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne have tried to resist the new ball charge and bring in Steve Smith and Travis Head to face the old ball when the conditions have eased up.
However, in India's case, middle-order batters have had to walk in when the ball is still behaving and the bowlers are fresh and in full flow.
"At times, I also feel bad for the middle-order batters. Whether it is Virat, Rishabh Pant or Rohit Sharma. You can't ask them to come and bat in that first 10 overs almost every innings in these testing conditions. There's a reason why they're middle-order batters. There are openers, there is a top 3. Their job in these conditions is to control your natural instincts. You will get chances to play those shots," Dasgupta added
Rain has had a huge say in the proceedings, leading to the play being halted as of writing. Rohit Sharma has joined KL Rahul out in the middle as India are tottering at 48-4 in 14.1 overs.