Sunil Gavaskar proposes strategy for India’s success in the remaining Tests against Australia

In the world of cricket, few legends resonate as deeply as Sunil Gavaskar. The former Indian captain and batting maestro has always been a beacon of wisdom for aspiring cricketers and fans alike. Following India’s disheartening 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gavaskar has stepped forward with a clarion call for the Indian team. His message is clear: do not squander the valuable time available before the next match. Instead, he urged the players to engage in rigorous practice to regain their rhythm and confidence.

Sunil Gavaskar calls for a wake-up call

The Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide concluded prematurely, lasting less than two and a half days, leaving India reeling from a heavy defeat. With this loss, Australia levelled the series at 1-1, raising questions about India’s performance under pressure. The Indian batting line up faltered significantly, managing only 180 runs in their first innings and 175 in the second. This collapse highlighted not only their struggles against Australia’s pace attack but also an urgent need for introspection and improvement.

Gavaskar’s advice comes at a crucial juncture. He emphasizes that the remaining matches should be viewed as a fresh three-match series rather than a continuation of the five-Test format. This perspective shift could be vital for the players’ mental approach as they prepare for the upcoming third Test scheduled to begin on December 14 in Brisbane.

“Look at the remainder of the series as a three-match series. Forget it was a five-Test series. What I would like this Indian team to do is use the next couple of days for practice. It’s very important. You can’t be sitting in your hotel room or wherever you’re going because you have come here to play cricket,” Gavaskar said to the official broadcaster.

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Practice over complacency: A tactical approach

In his remarks, Gavaskar stresses the importance of utilizing the two extra days effectively. He firmly believes that players should not retreat into their hotel rooms but instead take advantage of this time to practice and refine their skills.

“You don’t have to practice the whole day. You can practice a session in the morning or afternoon, whichever time you choose, but do not waste these days. You would have been here playing a Test match if the Test match were to go on for five days,” he added suggesting that even a single focused session could make a significant difference. This proactive approach is essential for players who have struggled to find form and rhythm during the series.

Moreover, Gavaskar critiques the concept of “optional practice sessions,” stating that such decisions should rest solely with the captain and coach. He argues that without mandatory practice, complacency can creep in, particularly among established players who might choose comfort over commitment. His assertion is that every player must take responsibility for their performance, especially after a disappointing outing like in Adelaide.

“This optional practice session is something that I don’t believe. The decision for optional training should rest with the captain and the coach. The coach should say, ‘Hey, you hit 150, you don’t need to come to practice. Hey, you bowled 40 overs in the match, you don’t need to come to practice. They should not be given the option. If you give the players that option, a lot of them, especially the certainties, will say, ‘No, I am going to stay in my room.’ And that’s not what Indian cricket needs,” Gavaskar stated.

The need to regain the momentum for Team India

As India gear up for what could be a pivotal match in the series, Gavaskar’s insights are not just about technical adjustments; they are also about fostering a culture of dedication and hard work within the team. He pointed out that both batters and bowlers need time in the middle to regain their rhythm, emphasizing that this is crucial after such a poor showing.

“You have to get yourself that much more time to get into the rhythm because you have not got the runs. Your bowlers haven’t got the rhythm. There are others too who need time in the middle,” legendary batter emphasised.

The Indian bowlers, particularly, faced scrutiny following their inability to adapt to the conditions presented by the pink ball. Gavaskar highlighted how Australia capitalized on this weakness, with Travis Head‘s stellar performance showcasing India’s vulnerability on fast wickets.

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