As the world marvels at England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, India has quietly introduced its own high-octane Test match style under captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir. On Day 4 of the India vs Bangladesh second Test in Kanpur, India displayed a scintillating performance that may soon be dubbed ‘Gamball,’ aspired by Gambhir’s sharp leadership.
Action-Packed Day 4 in Kanpur Test
Day 4 of the Kanpur Test saw a thrilling 85 overs of cricket, packed with 18 wickets and a staggering 437 runs. India started the day by bundling Bangladesh out for 233, then followed it up with a blistering batting display that stunned both the fans and the opposition. With India declaring at 285/9 in just 34.4 overs, their scoring rate of 8.22 runs per over was the highest ever for a Test inning of 200+ runs.
In comparison, England’s Bazball, which focuses on attacking bowlers relentlessly, has been considered revolutionary. But India’s ‘Gamball‘ went beyond mere aggression—it was a calculated, explosive attack designed to maximise time on a rain-affected pitch.
Gamball in Full Swing
The term ‘Bazball,’ coined by UK journalist Andrew Miller, refers to the fearless approach developed by England’s head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Their style emphasises taking positive decisions, either by attacking or defending, to push for a result. Since adopting this method, England has seen incredible success, notably averaging a run rate of 4.65 per over in Test matches.
India, under Gambhir’s guidance, has taken a leaf from that playbook but added its own unique twist. On Day 4, the Indian batsmen, led by the attacking prowess of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, threw caution to the wind, hammering the Bangladesh bowlers to all parts of the ground. Rahul’s rapid fifty off just 33 balls was a testament to the team’s aggressive intent.
Ruthless Declaration in India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test
After India took a 52-run lead, Rohit Sharma made a bold declaration, giving his bowlers 45 minutes to try and make early inroads into Bangladesh’s top order. It wasn’t just about piling on runs; it was about setting up a win. Rohit timed the declaration to perfection, leaving enough overs for Ravichandran Ashwin to strike twice, putting Bangladesh under immense pressure heading into the final day.
Bowling Attack Begins
When India took to the field, Jasprit Bumrah, with the new ball in hand, was ready to lead the charge. Backed by three slips and a gully, India’s bowling attack smelled blood. In the short period before stumps, Ashwin struck two crucial blows, giving India the upper hand. The momentum was entirely in India’s favour as they prepared for the fifth and final day, looking to secure a victory.
The Rise of Gamball
With this emphatic performance, India seems to have embraced a new style of play that mirrors the fearlessness of Bazball but is uniquely tailored to their strengths. India’s attacking cricket, with its controlled aggression, has given birth to ‘Gamball,’ a strategy that blends tactical declarations, calculated risk-taking, and bold batting.
While England’s Bazball has been in the spotlight, India is showing the world that their aggressive mindset in Test cricket is just as potent. As the final day in Kanpur approaches, one thing is clear—under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, India is rewriting the rules of Test cricket with their own brand of high-tempo, results-driven cricket.
Eyes on India vs Bangladesh Final Day
With 98 overs scheduled for Day 5 and a slender lead in hand, India’s fast bowlers and spinners will aim to finish what they started. Bangladesh’s top order will face a stern test against a revitalised Indian attack, and the visitors will need to produce something extraordinary to prevent defeat.
Whether India clinches victory or not, one thing is certain: the ‘Gamball’ revolution is here to stay, and it promises to change the way India approaches Test cricket in the future.
