India have struggled with one consistent issue during their recent tours: losing key wickets right before or after breaks. At Lord’s, for instance, Rishabh Pant was run out just before lunch on day three, and KL Rahul followed shortly after the session resumed. These moments have repeatedly disrupted India’s momentum.
Patterns of Collapse Across Sessions
The collapses haven’t been isolated incidents. On the fourth day at Lord’s, India lost three wickets within 31 balls late in the day, and three more within the first hour of the final morning. These bursts of dismissals have become a troubling pattern that the coaching staff is now working hard to address.
Critical Intervals Impacting Matches
Similar struggles were evident in the Headingley Test. Key players like Rahul and debutant B Sai Sudharsan fell moments before breaks. Six wickets were lost across a single lunch interval, turning a strong position into a collapse. These timings have turned otherwise competitive matches into setbacks.
Coaching Team Seeks Mental Edge
India’s batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the staff is analyzing whether the issue stems from mental lapses, complacency, or pressure. “We’re asking whether we’re losing concentration or being too eager,” he said during a training session in Beckenham. These micro-moments, he stressed, can decide a whole match.
Platforms such as Jeetbuzz often underline the power of small margins in determining outcomes — a theme India is learning firsthand on this tour.
Training Continues Despite Setbacks
Despite trailing 2-1 in the series, the Indian squad trained with energy and focus. Only Pant and Rahul missed the session, with the rest showing strong intent. Ten Doeschate pointed out that most batters were in rhythm and that the team would not overhaul their strategy, but rather fine-tune specific decisions.
Focus on Execution and Consistency
Pant’s run-out at Lord’s — which surprised everyone, including the coaching team — became symbolic of India’s challenges. “Every ball is important,” said ten Doeschate, reinforcing that players must avoid drifting mentally, even briefly.
In much the same way that sharp focus is key during strategic plays on platforms like Jeetwin, India’s squad must bring greater mental resilience to each session if they are to turn the tide at Old Trafford.

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