Hameed is here to stay

England pushed the 19-year-old into the unforgiving arena of Tests in the subcontinent. But the youngster showed immense composure and even though the wicket was flat, his technique and temperament were top class.

Rashid is finding his touch

Leg spinners struggle more than other bowlers to get their bearings right. But Rashid was pretty much spot on in the first Test. He found the right pace and trajectory to bowl on a flat Rajkot surface and richly deserved his seven wickets.

India depend heavily on Ashwin

India’s entire game-plan in Tests depends on Ravi Ashwin. The team relies heavily on him for wickets and his form with the bat at No. 6 position is critical, a we saw in the first Test where his 70 in the first innings and 32 in the second arguably saved the match.

Gambhir is not the answer

The 35-year-old left-handed opener has changed his stance, but that has not resulted in a more secure technique. He looked uncertain with his footwork and fell lbw and edging to slip off the fast bowlers for 29 and 0. Not good enough.

Toss will have major impact

The Indians are almost certain to prepare dry surfaces for the remaining matches and some might help spinners from Day One itself. The team that bats first, thus, is most likely to put up a big score and dictate terms.