Sunil Gavaskar accuses Rohit Sharma of ending the careers of 2 Indian legends
Published - 05 Nov 2024, 10:51 AM | Updated - 05 Nov 2024, 11:13 AM
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After a crushing 0-3 Test series defeat against New Zealand on home turf, the Indian cricket team has found itself under intense scrutiny. This embarrassing whitewash has sparked intense debate over the persistent challenges faced by the Indian batting lineup while facing the quality spin bowling.
Indian batters seemingly lost the essence of patience that once defined their Test game. Following the Indian cricket team’s first-ever 3-0 whitewash at home, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has pointed out a reckless batting strategy that he believes has started ruining India’s red-ball approach.
Sunil Gavaskar sounds alarm on Indian cricket team's Test collapse after crushing home series defeat
Gavaskar said that Indian cricket team batters are increasingly leaning toward an aggressive mindset, which is better suited for the shorter formats of the game, instead of the resilience that Test cricket demands.
He emphasized that this “quick-fix” attitude, where a few dot balls trigger Indian batters to go for the big shots, has deeply compromised the team’s stability and, ultimately, its success in Tests.
Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “The real issue is the thinking where again the short boundaries and big bats mean that batters, after playing three or four dot balls, think they can change the momentum by going for a big shot.It may work with the white ball, which doesn't swing, seam, or spin as much, but with the red ball, it's flirting with danger, especially if one has just come in to bat.”
Test cricket requires some patience: Sunil Gavaskar
The former Indian captain has expressed his deep concerns over the current mindset of Indian cricket, saying this shift in batting philosophy has already impacted Test performances as well as sidelined experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
Read Also: Sunil Gavaskar demands Rohit Sharma's immediate sacking before BGT due to shocking reason
Gavaskar noted that Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were both known for their ability to absorb pressure and grind down bowling attacks over long innings with their grit, composure, and watchful style. The legendary batter further reckoned that their exclusion reflects a broader trend in modern cricket.
He noted, “Test cricket requires some patience, especially on pitches where the bowlers are getting some assistance, but not many modern batters believe in that. Then there's this new thinking that, come what may, we will play only at breakneck speed in a five-day game, and that means there is not much thought given to tiring the bowler out or waiting for conditions to improve. That's why Pujaras and Rahanes have no place in the Indian team's plans.”
Sunil Gavaskar slams the tend of belting the ball in Test cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were pillars of Indian cricket team’s success in Tests over a decade, but unfortunately, this evolving approach, prioritizing speed and attack over resilience, led to their ouster from the national team, according to Gavaskar.
The cricket pandit has also stressed that this isn’t just about individual dismissals; it’s a fundamental failure to read and respond to the unique demands of Test cricket.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Pujara wore down the Australian attack, as did Rahane, and so the stroke-makers could take advantage of a tired attack and flog it and make up for a slow but watchful start. That kind of thinking is not there. Now there's this business of belting the ball like England batters are doing and losing badly overseas.”
