Don't Think India Are Even Thinking About Forcing The Result - VVS Laxman Analyses Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane's Slow-Go Approach

At the Tea break on Day 4 of the ongoing Lord’s Test, former batsman VVS Laxman opined that India are not thinking of forcing a result in the game given the pace with which Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, which was a result of the visitors losing three wickets – KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli – in the first session.

Pujara and Rahane put on 49 runs off 28 overs in the second session; more importantly, they didn’t let a wicket fall after three blows in the morning session.

VVS Laxman reckoned both the batsmen need to carry on batting in a similar fashion as keeping wickets is more important considering India’s long tail.

“I don’t think India are even thinking about forcing the result in this Test, as of now. Because of the way England bowled in the first session, getting rid of two in-form batsmen, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, and then Virat Kohli,” VVS Laxman told ESPNcricinfo. 

“I think, keeping in mind the long tail India has. So, I think, the thought process would be to take the team to a point where they cannot lose and then accelerate. As far Pujaran and Rahane are concerned, they should continue to play in the fashion they have done. England have been very discipline – they haven’t given away poor or loose deliveries for both the batsmen to capitalise,” he added.

Leave them alone and let them decide the best way to take the innings forward: VVS Laxman

The 46-year-old further said both the players shouldn’t be told anything about any specific target the management has in mind as it would only put extra pressure on them.

He stated that both Pujara and Rahane must be backed to bat their way and pace the innings as they feel right.

“I wouldn’t confuse them. Because what the batsmen require is clarity; not too many suggestions which would clutter their mind. As a coach, I don’t think too much will be spoken to them. Both of them are experienced batsmen, and understand the situation. Just leave them alone and let them decide what’s the best way to take the innings forward,” VVS Laxman said.

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