India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling: Ashwin’s Honest Take As 5th Test Hangs In Balance
India have failed in pressure bowling — that’s the key observation from Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, as India stands on the edge of a possible defeat against England in the 5th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
As of the start of the final day, England need just 35 runs to win, while India need to take 4 wickets to turn the game around — provided Chris Woakes comes out to bat. This sets the stage for one of the most intense Test finishes in recent memory. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
Ashwin’s YouTube Breakdown: What Went Wrong?
On his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin praised the intensity of the series but pointed out serious flaws in India’s strategy — especially in bowling. According to him, India allowed the match to slip away by failing to build pressure through tight bowling. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
“India have failed in one place. This is a big target. But pressure-building bowling is a lost art,” Ashwin said.
He went on to explain that while modern cricket often encourages going for wickets with attacking lines and fields, the ability to bowl defensively to build pressure is equally important — and India is struggling with that balance. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
What Is Pressure-Building Bowling?
Ashwin described pressure-building bowling as the ability to bowl with consistency and control — restricting runs and forcing the batter into a mistake. He feels this skill is slowly disappearing, especially in the T20 era.
“Barring Australia, most teams don’t know how to build pressure anymore. Everyone just attacks without rhythm,” he explained. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
He emphasized that just attacking isn’t always the right solution — bowlers must also create rhythm and control to earn wickets over time. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
Lack of Game Awareness and Missed Opportunities
Ashwin didn’t stop at bowling alone. He was also critical of India’s game awareness and tactical decision-making in the current series. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
“There has been a lack of game awareness and tactical acumen both on and off the field. That’s why England are ahead,” he said.
He noted that India had several chances to take control, but due to poor decision-making and misreading the match situations, they let the opposition come back into the game.
Gill’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny — But With Hope
Ashwin believes that Shubman Gill, who is captaining India in this Test, still has a lot to learn — but he also backs him to grow into the role. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
“I feel Shubman Gill will become a much better captain with experience,” he said.
However, he pointed out that one common mistake in this Test was the late use of spinners, especially Washington Sundar. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
Missed Timing With Spinners
One major criticism from Ashwin was that India failed to bring in their spinners at the right time. He mentioned that when Harry Brook started accelerating, India should have used spin to control the scoring.
“After Brook reached 20, a spinner should’ve come on to choke the run flow. A pacer could’ve bowled from the other end,” he explained. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
He strongly believed that Washington Sundar should have bowled earlier — a move that could have made a big difference. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
Dressing Room Uncertainty?
Ashwin also wondered aloud whether poor communication from the dressing room might be part of the issue.
“We don’t know if the right messages are going from the outside to the players in the middle,” he said.
In this modern era of data and support staff, Ashwin feels that these small tactical gaps should be avoidable — and yet, they continue to happen. India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
Where the Match Stands
As of now:
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England needs 35 runs
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India needs 4 wickets
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Chris Woakes might still bat
The game is on a knife’s edge, and either team could snatch the win. But Ashwin’s analysis has raised important questions about India’s planning and execution, especially in crunch moments.
Key Points From Ashwin’s Comments
| Issue | Ashwin’s View |
|---|---|
| Pressure Bowling | India have failed in building pressure |
| T20 Influence | Too much focus on wicket-taking |
| Game Awareness | Lacking on and off the field |
| Use of Spinners | Spinners were introduced too late |
| Gill’s Captaincy | Inexperienced but shows promise |
| Tactical Gaps | Could have been avoided with better input |
Who would have guessed back in June that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy would go down to the last day of the 5th Test? India Have Failed In Pressure Bowling
Regardless of the final result, this series has been a thrilling battle — and Ashwin’s insights provide fans with a deeper understanding of the tactical nuances and missed chances that could decide its fate.
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