Beyond Crisis | Real-Time Analysis, Views & Brief Reports

The new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle has commenced with Australia and England leading with a perfect PCT of 100. Sri Lanka follows after their series against Bangladesh. India, despite Shubman Gill's team's impressive fight and five centurions, suffered a loss to England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to a middle-order collapse.

India faces a daunting challenge at Edgbaston, a venue where they've never won a Test match. After a painful defeat at Headingley, where England chased down a substantial target, India is under pressure to avoid a series loss. Breaking the Edgbaston jinx, dating back to 1967, requires an extraordinary effort against a confident England team.

Rohit Sharma recalls the electrifying atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan matches, describing it as a festival-like experience. He lauded Rishabh Pant's crucial innings and the exceptional bowling performance of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the T20 World Cup clash. Sharma emphasized the strategic use of Bumrah and Arshdeep to defend a low total on a challenging pitch.

Following a historic Test defeat in Headingley, where India couldn't defend a massive score despite five centuries, coach Gautam Gambhir hints at potential changes for the second Test in Birmingham. While backing Bumrah and Siraj, Gambhir emphasizes the need to develop a strong pace attack and considers including Kuldeep Yadav to exploit England's weakness against spin.