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Gavaskar went on to add how the longest format of the game demanded patience and an accelerated approach to the game does not bode well for the future of the side.
Sunil Gavaskar. (AFP Photo)
Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar criticised the growing mindset of playing ultra-attacking Cricket in Tests citing the aggressive mindset as one of the crucial factors for India’s recent humiliation at the hands of New Zealand.
The Kiwis routed the hosts in a 3-0 series win on Indian soil and Gavaskar explained the pitfalls of opting for a reckless approach to the game.
“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,” said Gavaskar.
“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,” he explained.
He went on to add how the longest format of the game demanded patience and an accelerated approach to the game does not bode well for the future of the side.
“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,” Gavaskar said.
He reflected on the expulsion of seasoned batters such as Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who err on the side of an old-fashioned approach, from the upcoming tour of Australia.
He enumerated the qualities that the veteran batters bring to the table which also permitted the side to operate around their approach to the game.
“That’s why Pujaras and Rahanes have no place in the Indian team’s plans. 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,” Gavaskar added.
“Now there’s this business of belting the ball like England batters are doing and losing badly overseas,” he expressed.
