India’s young Test captain Shubman Gill is under heavy scrutiny after the team’s disappointing five-wicket loss to England in the opening Test of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy 2025. Despite five Indian batters scoring centuries across both innings, it was India’s shoddy fielding that cost them dearly. The team dropped at least eight catches, handing England crucial lifelines that turned the game.
Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin didn’t hold back while analyzing India’s performance. He pointed out that it’s up to captain Shubman Gill to raise the team’s fielding standards and instill a stronger on-field attitude.
‘Gill needs an attitude adjustment’ - Haddin
Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Haddin said,
“Every great team in any era stands out because they’re a top fielding unit. That’s a legacy Gill now needs to build with this team. He needs an attitude adjustment.”
Haddin stressed that fielding is largely about mindset:
“If you want to be a good fielding side and compete the whole time, it’s purely about attitude. You can do all the drills and work with the best coaches, but it won’t matter if the mindset isn’t there.”
He also hinted that the poor catching in the recent IPL season may have carried over into India’s Test performance.
“Even in the IPL this year, catching standards were awful. That could be showing up now.”
Missed chances prove costly
India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, couldn’t make the breakthroughs needed to defend a target of 371 in the fourth innings. England opener Ben Duckett was dropped twice in the match. He went on to smash a match-winning 149 and piled up 211 runs in the Test, earning him the Player of the Match award.
India’s inability to take catches meant that even though Bumrah bowled with heart, he lacked the support from his fielders. This put extra pressure on an already stretched bowling attack.
Focus shifts to Birmingham
India are now in Birmingham preparing for the second Test at Edgbaston, which starts on July 2. Gill, who batted well in both innings of the first Test, will look to not just score runs but also lift the energy of his team in the field.
The criticism from Haddin acts as a reminder that being a top side isn’t only about scoring runs or taking wickets—it’s about saving them too through sharp fielding. As Gill continues to grow into his captaincy role, this series will be a big test of how he handles pressure and pushes his players to improve.
Meanwhile, England have announced their squad for the second Test, retaining the core of their side under Ben Stokes, with players like Jofra Archer, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Chris Woakes set to feature.
Gill’s leadership and how India respond in the field will be crucial if they want to bounce back and level the series.