India's recent defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, but perhaps the most concerning aspect isn't the loss itself, but the fluctuating levels of fighting spirit displayed by the team. The match began with palpable energy and precision, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Their opening spells were testing, making life difficult for the English batsmen. Ben Duckett, in particular, struggled to get going, a testament to the disciplined bowling in the initial overs.

However, this early dominance was short-lived. As the innings progressed, the intensity seemed to wane. The pressure that India initially exerted began to dissipate, allowing England to find their rhythm and accelerate the scoring rate. This shift exposed a worrying tendency for the Indian team to lose their edge when the opposition starts to counter-attack.

The introduction of Shardul Thakur into the attack further exemplified this issue. His spell lacked consistency and a clear plan, resulting in easy runs for England. A misfield that led to additional runs only compounded the sense of a team losing its grip on the match.

India's fielding, in general, appeared reactive rather than proactive. Field placements seemed to be adjustments made after a particular shot was played, rather than anticipating and preventing it. This lack of foresight and adaptability suggests a need for better strategic thinking and on-field communication.

The repeated attempts to change the ball also highlighted a sense of desperation and perhaps a lack of confidence in their own abilities to influence the game. While such tactics can sometimes work, relying on them too heavily can be a sign of a team searching for answers rather than creating them.

The issue isn't necessarily a lack of talent within the Indian squad. The team boasts world-class players capable of brilliance. The problem seems to lie in maintaining a consistent level of intensity and belief throughout the match, especially when faced with adversity. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, to stay focused and disciplined even when the pressure is on, is what separates good teams from great ones.

This inconsistency in fighting spirit is a challenge that the team management needs to address. It requires fostering a culture of resilience, where players are encouraged to embrace challenges and maintain a positive mindset regardless of the situation. Developing strategies to counter opposition fightbacks and instilling a sense of proactive decision-making on the field are also crucial.

India has a rich cricketing history and a passionate fan base. The team has the potential to achieve great things, but unlocking that potential requires more than just individual brilliance. It requires a collective commitment to fighting spirit, a willingness to dig deep when the going gets tough, and the ability to maintain composure and focus under pressure. Only then can India consistently rise to the occasion and fulfil its potential on the world stage.