Ravi Shastri Urges Bold Declaration Gamble as India Trail South Africa in Guwahati Test
Image source: PTI
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes the hosts still have a slim chance to turn the ongoing Test series around, but only if head coach Gautam Gambhir takes a bold tactical call that goes against traditional Test match strategy. India trail 0–1 in the series, and at the end of Day 2 in Guwahati, South Africa remain ahead by a massive 480 runs, keeping full control of the second Test.
South Africa’s dominance came through a powerful lower-order rescue act, driven by Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century and Marco Jansen’s aggressive 93 off 91 balls. Their partnership lifted the visitors to 489, wearing down India’s bowlers with calm batting, solid defence and clever stroke play. India, now chasing the game, face mounting pressure as the clock ticks and conditions continue to favour the visitors.
Why Shastri Wants India to Take a Risk
Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri said that India cannot afford to waste time batting slowly or waiting to surpass South Africa’s total. Instead, he suggested that India bat with attacking intent, score quickly, and — if needed — declare up to 80–100 runs behind to force South Africa into batting again.
According to Shastri, the only way India can create a result is by speeding up the game and giving themselves enough time to take 10 wickets in the final innings. He emphasised that trying to overhaul 489 would consume too much time and leave India without any realistic shot at victory.
History Behind the High-Risk Strategy
Declaring behind in a Test match is extremely rare. It has happened 33 times in cricket history, with only three teams going on to win after doing so. India have declared behind four times, but never won under those circumstances — the only loss coming in 1948 against Australia, when they declared 103 runs short.
Despite the odds, Shastri believes the match situation demands courage, not caution. With the series on the line, he says India must think creatively and refuse to let the match drift into another inevitable defeat.
Mindset, Momentum and Pressure
India’s batting approach has been criticised for being too defensive under pressure conditions, while South Africa have showcased clarity, resilience and better execution. With the home crowd expecting a response, Shastri believes urgency and bravery are essential if India want to stay alive in the series.
South Africa, meanwhile, are in a commanding position, with scoreboard pressure, confidence, and favourable conditions all working in their favour.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India face a defining moment in Guwahati. Ravi Shastri’s call for a bold declaration reveals the scale of the challenge and the urgency needed to shift momentum. Whether Gautam Gambhir embraces risk or opts for safety could decide not just the Test — but India’s future in the series. With history against them and South Africa firmly ahead, only fearless cricket can keep India in the fight.