📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Short-Ball Solution: A concrete slab + damp tennis balls = a low-cost, high-reward way to sharpen reactions and build short-ball confidence.

• Gill’s Test Leadership Debut: Calm, process-driven, and emotionally intelligent — Gill’s captaincy marks a mindset shift for India.

• Batting Under Pressure: The WTC Final proved it — chaos separates the calm. Build decision-making, not just drills, into your batting prep.

• You’re Already the Psychologist: Session design, silence, water breaks — every moment is a mindset coaching opportunity. Use it with intent.

• India’s Selection Dilemma: Four big questions ahead of England Tests — each one offers insight into building balanced, adaptable squads.

COACH’S CORNER

The Concrete Solution to Short-Ball Success

Need better short-ball practice? Position a concrete slab at length, use plastic or dampened tennis balls targeting shoulder height. The slab's smooth surface generates consistent pace and bounce - ideal for overcoming short-ball hesitation and developing quick hands. An ingeniously simple, cost-effective solution. See how!

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

From Heir To The Hot Seat: What To Expect from Shubman Gill, India Test Captain

At just 25, Shubman Gill steps into the India Test captaincy with a calm mindset, clear purpose, and an approach shaped by both modern leadership and classical discipline.

While critics question his limited red-ball captaincy experience, those who’ve worked with Gill point to his maturity, clarity, and communication skills as key assets. He’s seen as calm under pressure, process-driven in preparation, and emotionally intelligent with teammates — perhaps a contrast to Kohli’s fire and Rohit’s cool detachment — yet shaped by both.

Despite his modest Test batting record abroad, Gill separates his roles as batter and captain clearly — a philosophy that helps reduce pressure. His training is purposeful and structured, and he asks the same of his team: make every session count, simulate pressure, and prepare with intent.

Gill may be young, but he’s not green — could his first assignment in England define a new era of Indian Test cricket?

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

Lord’s Test Proved It: Batting Is a Brain Game 🏏

The WTC Final at Lord’s wasn’t just a classic — it was a live case study in how mental skills define batting success under pressure.

• 🌀 Day 1 & 2: Swing, seam, slope, and cloud cover wrecked batting line-ups. The issue wasn’t just technique — it was decision-making collapse under cognitive overload.

• 🌤 Day 3 & 4: As conditions eased, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma thrived. Not just because of the pitch — but because they adapted, stayed calm, and batted with clear plans.

Most batting practice is technical and repetitive. But real-world performance demands:

• Visual clarity

• Emotional regulation

• Tactical adaptation

• Cognitive control under fatigue

Coaching takeaway: Technique matters — but mental clarity is what turns good batters into match-winners. Build practice that simulates pressure, chaos, and decision-making — not just drills. Prepare the mind as much as the hands.

BETWEEN THE EARS

Be the Psychologist on the Grass 🧠

You don’t need a psychology degree to shape a player’s mindset — you already do it every session. Every drill, comment, gesture, and pause sends a message. The question is: are you doing it on purpose?

Great coaches use psychology not in theory, but through:

• 🎯 Session Design – Stretch players through well-crafted constraints

• 🗣️ Coach Behaviours – Tone, rhythm, silence, gestures… they all influence mood and focus

• ❓ Questions & Conversations – Prompt reflection, build autonomy, and reinforce learning

• 🌱 Between-the-Drill Moments – Water breaks and transitions = leadership labs

Coaching takeaway: You already shape players’ minds — so do it deliberately. Every second on the grass is a chance to grow confidence, focus, resilience, and team culture.

IN OTHER NEWS

India’s Selection Puzzle: Four Big Calls Ahead of the England Tests

India enters the England Test series deep in transition, with several major calls to make — each revealing how this new leadership group is shaping strategy.

🧩 Who Bats at No.4?

With Kohli gone, the No.4 spot is wide open. Gill could shift from No.3, but he’s publicly expressed comfort at the top. Alternatives like Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair are less experienced — making this a high-stakes decision that could define the batting order’s future.

⚖️ Four or Five Bowlers?

Historically, India backed five-bowler setups to take 20 wickets. But Gambhir’s reign has flirted with extra batting depth — even at the cost of bowling firepower. The absence of a perfect No.8 all-rounder makes balance tricky.

🔁 Lower-Order Shape

If Jadeja plays at No.7, who fills No.6 and No.8? Options like Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar all bring contrasting strengths. Selection here will dictate how India balances batting support with bowling threat.

💥 Third Seamer Slot

Bumrah and Siraj are nailed-on. The third quick could be Prasidh Krishna, but raw but versatile options like Arshdeep, Akash Deep, or even Anshul Kamboj might rotate in — especially if Bumrah is rested.

What do you think?

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