IND vs ENG: India Seek Revenge Against England As Crowds Return For Second Test
Stung by their crushing defeat in the opening match, India and captain Virat Kohli are looking to get their revenge on England in the second test starting on Saturday as crowds return to cheer on the
"I can't see too many changes happening because 'too many changes' is a sign of panic. And there is no need to panic," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Trending
"This is a very good team. This team was outplayed and it can happen."
In the last game, left-arm orthodox Shahbaz Nadeem leaked 167 runs of England's mammoth first-innings total of 578 and was criticized by Kohli, along with fellow spinner Washington Sundar.
For England, Ben Foakes is set to take over wicketkeeping duties from Jos Buttler who ended his India tour after the first test as part of the team's rest-and-rotate policy in the pandemic.
Foakes, who last played a Test in 2019, said everyone is "excited" over having fans back in the stadium.
"Being in the bio-secure bubbles and not seeing too many people outside your group for so long, having that atmosphere back will be quite an awesome feeling I'd have thought," said Foakes.
England also juggles their fast bowling options, which leaves Root and company in a dilemma over James Anderson.
The veteran paceman claimed a crucial three wickets including Ajinkya Rahane and danger-man Rishabh Pant to skittle India for 192 on day five. But the 38-year-old reverse-swing specialist may be replaced by the equally dangerous Stuart Broad, in line with England's recent practice.
"We have options, that's the beauty of how we have gone about things this winter," said Root.
"I think it is really important that we look after our players and everyone comes into the games fit and fresh and able to deliver their skills at 100 percent."
Anderson said he is "not assuming anything". In-form Root remains key to England with 684 runs in his last three tests, including match-winning monster scores of 228 and 186 in the 2-0 test sweep in Sri Lanka.
"I think (India) have got to find something for Joe Root whether it's playing reverse swing or just a change," former England batsman Ian Bell told ESPN Cricinfo.
"He looked so comfortable against left-arm orthodox, you know, the way he plays the sweep shot." The series will decide which team will meet New Zealand in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. India slipped to fourth in the WTC rankings after the loss. Australia is third.
