Leeds, June 24 -- Head coach Gautam Gambhir came out in defence of his side and declared that no player dropped a catch on "purpose" in the aftermath of India's tantalising five-wicket defeat at Headingley in the five-match series opener against England.

India ushered in the new dawn in Test cricket without its batting bigwigs, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with Shubman Gill taking up the captaincy mantle. The initial signs were positive from the young and inexperienced side, keeping the Headingley enchanted by putting up a batting masterclass on exhibition.

Despite a late collapse, India finished with 471 on the board and moved on to their plans of unsettling England's bustling 'Bazball' approach with the ball. Opportunities came and b...