Leeds: India captain Shubman Gill has termed the Headingley Test a “brilliant contest” despite his side suffering a five-wicket defeat to England, citing dropped catches, lower-order batting failures, and missed opportunities as key factors behind the loss.
Reflecting on the result, Gill admitted that India had their moments. “We had our chances, we dropped catches and our lower-order didn't contribute enough,” he said after the match. “But I’m proud of the team – overall a good effort.”
India had contemplated setting England a target of around 430 and declaring earlier, but faltered towards the end of their second innings. “Yesterday we were thinking around 430 odd and declare. Unfortunately, we didn’t score runs at the end, which always makes it difficult,” he added.
On England’s chase of 371 – their fifth successful 300-plus fourth-innings pursuit at Headingley – Gill acknowledged the momentum shift. “It happened so quickly. Could be one of those things we have to rectify in the upcoming matches. Definitely, chances don’t come easy on wickets like these.”
He praised the Indian bowling effort early on Day 5, noting how the conditions changed after the ball softened. “The first session we were quite spot on, didn’t give away many runs. It’s hard to stop the runs once the ball softens. Unfortunately, some edges didn’t go our way. They took their chances after the ball got old. That happens in a game of cricket.”
Gill reiterated the learning curve for a relatively young Indian squad. “It’s a young team, learning one, and hopefully we will be able to improve on those aspects,” he said.
Asked about pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s involvement in future Tests, the skipper clarified that decisions on his participation are being taken match by match. “It’s definitely more game by game. Once we are close to the match, we will see.”
