Aggressive Batting Trumps Caution as England Dominate India on Day 2

According to the news, former wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik believes that the reserved batting approach adopted by Indian batters KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan is not well-suited for the conditions at The Oval, where the fifth Test between India and England is being played.

On Day 2, the pitch proved to be challenging, with 15 wickets falling in a single day, the most in the entire series. India, put into bat first, struggled against the English bowling attack, with Gus Atkinson picking up a five-wicket haul. In contrast, England's batters opted for an aggressive approach, which, coupled with some poor bowling by the Indian pacers, led to a quick-fire 92-run opening stand in just 13 overs.

Karthik explained that in such conditions, where the ball is doing a lot off the surface and in the air, batters who look to play shots have a better chance of scoring runs. He noted that the "KL style and Sai style" of being watchful and patient is not well-suited, as it becomes difficult to survive for long periods.

In stark contrast to Rahul and Sudharsan's conservative approach, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal played with an aggressive intent, scoring a flamboyant fifty. While Jaiswal was lucky to be dropped twice during his innings, Karthik praised his approach, stating that being aggressive or erring on the side of aggression is slightly better on this pitch.

As a result, India have managed to etch a handy lead with eight wickets remaining, setting the stage for a decisive Day 3 in the fifth Test.