Oval Test: Gautam Gambhir's chance to show India's ready for post-Rohit-Kohli era

India Today

2 days ago

Much has been said about Gautam Gambhir and whether he has what it takes to guide the next generation of India's Test team in the wake of senior stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away.These names have undoubtedly etched their place in Indian cricket's history-and beyond. But as one era draws to a close, another inevitably begins. That has always been the natural rhythm of a sport as storied as Test cricket.advertisementBIGGER CHALLENGES IN 2025Cast your mind back to India's tour of England in 2021-22. The team featured Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja - all seasoned veterans. Yet, despite that firepower - and with England not yet in their Bazball era - the series ended in a 2-2 draw. Winning in England is never easy, but the fact that India's current team, led by Shubman Gill with Gautam Gambhir in the coaching seat, is in a position to replicate their best result in a five-match series on English soil is a promising sign.
Much like the 2021 tour - when a COVID-19 break disrupted India's momentum in the decider - this team too had genuine chances to seal victories at both Leeds and Lord's in 2025, only to let them slip. That has made the final Test at The Oval all the more crucial, offering one last shot at matching their finest away performance. But this is about more than just levelling a series. It is a litmus test for a young team and a new regime - one that has shown flashes of maturity but is still searching for its first true red-ball breakthrough.WILL INDIA'S DEPLETED PACE ATTACK DELIVER?While the narrative around the Oval Test is centred on India's push to finish strong, growing concerns loom over the pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah's availability remains uncertain. Mohammed Siraj has been inconsistent. Akash Deep, who impressed early, missed the previous match due to injury. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj have struggled to make an impact.That raises a key question: Will India risk throwing in Arshdeep Singh? He brings variety and swing, but remains untested at this level in English conditions - a move that could easily backfire. Yet, if Bumrah is ruled out, the options are thin. India may be forced to lean on experience and hope Siraj rediscovers his rhythm, much like he did at Edgbaston earlier.This is where Gautam Gambhir's cricketing instinct will come under the spotlight. Team selection, tactical clarity, and reading conditions accurately - all of it will come into play as India searches for the right balance at a pivotal juncture.A DEFINING TEST FOR GAMBHIRFor Gautam Gambhir, the stakes couldn't be higher. His tenure as India's red-ball coach has had a rocky start - a surprise home series loss to New Zealand, followed by a defeat in Australia. Both results raised questions about his adaptability to the demands of Test cricket.advertisementIn white-ball formats, however, Gambhir has thrived. He led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy - their first major ODI title since 2013 - and boasts an unblemished record in T20Is, having yet to lose a series.But Test cricket is a different beast. And this series is shaping up to be his most critical examination yet. India have never won a five-Test series in England. A win at The Oval would not only level the series but also send a clear message: that Gambhir is the right man to shepherd Indian Test cricket into its next chapter.- EndsMust Watch