England vs India 2018: Gautam Gambhir Feels India Can Still Beat Hosts

Out of favour Team India opener, Gautam Gambhir feels that India still has a chance of winning or levelling the five-match Test series against England. He said as India is facing a do or die situation as they’re set to take the field for the third Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday (August 18). It will be a big occasion for India as they try to save the series.

Despite India’s mediocre performance in the series so far, Gambhir has backed them to make a comeback. During an interview with the Times of India, he also revealed that he would give wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik another one of two matches rather than bringing in Rishabh Pant straightaway.

He stated that Karthik might be struggling to score runs, but if someone is on the brink of his career, he should be given another chance.

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The southpaw said that Pant has a long future in front of him and can wait. However, it will be on the team management and the captain and the coach to take the final call.

Gambhir felt that making too many changes would give a signal to the opposition that they are completely shattered. He also felt that the return of Jasprit Bumrah will undoubtedly bolster the team.

In case he is unfit Umesh Yadav should be the bowler they should go for.

Gautam Gambhir further added that England team is quite vulnerable. And India should look to pounce on the opportunities they present to them. India had England on the mat in the opening Test.

England was leading by a mere 99 runs when seven of their batsmen were back in the hut. However, Sam Curran’s innings helped them claw their way back into the match. Had it not been for Curran India would have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Even in the Lord’s Test India had dismissed top five of the English batters for a shade over 100 runs. However, it was a great partnership between Chris Woakes and Jonny Bairstow which tilted the match in England’s favour.

From there on, there was no way back for the visiting team. Indians will look to make a comeback at Trent Bridge which will be a must-win encounter for them.