How Team India Plans to Survive Lord’s Minefield: Batting Coach Spills the Beans
Let’s Talk About That Lord’s Pitch
So, the India vs. England Test at Lord’s is coming up, and everyone’s buzzing—not just because it’s a rivalry that gets tempers flaring, but because that pitch? Absolute nightmare for batsmen. Sitanshu Kotak, India’s batting coach, dropped some truth bombs about how they’re planning to handle it. And let me tell you, it’s not what you’d expect. Discipline over flair? Yeah, that’s the play here.
1. Why Lord’s Eats Batsmen for Breakfast
1.1 The Pitch That Never Plays Nice
Lord’s isn’t called the “Home of Cricket” just for the fancy pavilion. That pitch—man, it’s got a reputation. Green as hell, and when London does its usual gloomy weather thing, the ball starts moving like it’s got a mind of its own. One minute it’s coming at your ribs, next it’s nipping away late. Absolute nightmare.
1.2 Recent Horror Shows
Just look at the numbers. Last five years, teams average about 250 in the first innings. And that’s on a good day. Remember England getting rolled for 85 against Ireland? Or India’s 107 back in 2018? This place doesn’t care about your reputation. Play stupid shots, and you’re gone.
2. Kotak’s Game Plan: Less Hero Ball, More Grind
2.1 The Art of Not Getting Out
Kotak’s message is simple: “Don’t be a hero early.” No fancy drives, no reckless cuts. His exact words? “I’d take a guy who blocks 30 balls over someone who smashes 20 off 10 and then nicks off.” Harsh? Maybe. But he’s got a point—you can’t score runs from the pavilion.
2.2 Tiny Tweaks, Big Impact
They’ve been working on some adjustments:
- Keep those hands close to the body—edges are death here.
- Shorter backlift to handle those random bounce grenades.
- Use your feet, mess with the bowler’s length. Basic stuff, but crucial.
2.3 It’s All Between the Ears
“Lord’s breaks you mentally before the ball does,” Kotak said. And he’s not wrong. That’s why Kohli and Rohit have to be the rocks—bat time, take the shine off, let the kids play around them. Easier said than done, obviously.
3. Who Needs to Step Up?
3.1 India’s Big Guns
Kohli averages 20 here. Let that sink in. Rohit’s patience outside off will be key. And Jaiswal? Kid’s about to get a brutal welcome to Test cricket.
3.2 England’s Attack
Jimmy Anderson at Lord’s is basically cheating—35 wickets since 2020. Then there’s Wood hurling 90mph thunderbolts. And Broad? That inswinger to right-handers is still a thing. Sleep on these guys at your own risk.
4. What the Experts Are Saying
Nasser Hussain put it best: “Cloudy Lord’s might as well be a warzone for batsmen.” Fans are split—can India’s new “boring” approach actually work? I’m not sold yet, but hey, desperate times.
5. Final Thoughts
Kotak’s betting everything on restraint. No fireworks, just survival. Will it work? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. But one thing’s certain—if they fail, the usual “technique issues” hot takes will be flying. What do you think? Drop your predictions below!
Source: Navbharat Times – Default