Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.
This Blog was first posted here.
Test cricket has always been seen as a game of patience, skill, and endurance, but over the years, we've seen a shift in how teams approach the longest format. No team exemplifies this transformation better than India. The contrast between India's performance in Dominica 2011 and their aggressive push for victory in Kanpur 2024 is a testament to how the mindset of Indian Test cricket has evolved—one that values intent and the will to win, even in seemingly impossible situations.
Dominica 2011: A Conservative Call
In July 2011, during the third Test match of India’s tour of the West Indies at Roseau, Dominica, India found themselves needing 180 runs in 47 overs on the final day. With seven wickets in hand and a run rate that seemed manageable, they had the chance to push for victory. But after 32 overs, when 85 runs were required in 15 overs, both teams agreed to shake hands and settle for a draw.
That decision, while perhaps pragmatic, reflected a different era in Indian cricket—a time when the team was more willing to settle for a draw rather than risk defeat. The mindset was about securing series wins without venturing into uncharted waters, even if there was a sniff of victory in sight.
Kanpur 2024: A New Dawn of Aggression
Fast forward to September 2024 at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. The match was rain-affected, with 2.5 days of play washed out, making a draw the most likely outcome. But this was a different Indian team, one that has been molded by a shift in philosophy over the past decade.
India, in a rare show of relentless intent, forced the game to a conclusion, clinching an improbable 7-wicket victory. They took calculated risks, played with aggression, and refused to settle for anything less than a result. This is a team that believes in pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in Test cricket, and they have the skill set and belief to back it up.
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| India recorded a famous win in Kanpur to seal the series 2-0 © BCCI |
The Catalyst: Adelaide 2014
In my opinion, this transformation began in Adelaide in 2014, where India’s fearless approach came to the fore. It was the first Test of the series against Australia, and India, chasing 364 in the fourth innings, came tantalizingly close to an incredible win. Instead of playing for a draw, India, under the leadership of a young Virat Kohli, opted to chase down the target. Though India eventually lost the match, the intent to win rather than survive set the tone for the team’s future in Test cricket.
This match was a watershed moment. It signaled the birth of an aggressive mindset, where India would no longer be content with playing out for a draw, but would instead push the limits in search of victory. Kohli’s captaincy, with its emphasis on fitness, aggression, and backing players to take risks, became the cornerstone of this transformation. From that point onwards, India began to view Test matches as contests to be won, not merely survived.
The Road to Kanpur 2024
Over the years, India has built a team that is not only mentally tough but also has the depth and skill to dominate in all conditions. Whether it was their historic series win in Australia in 2020-21, where they defied injuries and odds, or their stellar performances in England, India’s new brand of cricket has consistently pushed the envelope.
The triumph at Kanpur in 2024 is a culmination of years of changing mindset and preparation. Even in the face of adverse conditions, India’s willingness to force a result demonstrates a team that plays for the win. A team that believes in making opportunities, not waiting for them.
Conclusion
The shift from Dominica in 2011 to Kanpur in 2024 showcases how India’s approach to Test cricket has evolved. What was once a team that might have been content with a draw is now a team that seeks out victories, no matter the odds. This evolution has been powered by a new mentality—one that embraces risk, believes in its own ability, and is driven by a desire to dominate world cricket.
And as fans of Indian cricket, we can only marvel at how far this team has come, from settling for handshakes to shaking up the world of Test cricket with sheer willpower and aggression.
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