As the World Test Championship final draws near, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar raises concerns about the Indian players transitioning from the T20 format to red-ball cricket. Gavaskar recognizes the stark contrast between the two formats and anticipates a significant challenge for the Indian stars.
The highly-anticipated clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London, commencing on June 7, has captured the cricketing world’s attention. The recently concluded 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League saw the majority of Indian cricketers actively participating in the tournament.
Gavaskar highlights the substantial task that lies ahead, considering the players’ recent engagement with T20 cricket. The shift to the longer format of Test cricket demands a different mindset and skills, which could prove to be a formidable test for the Indian stars.
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“The biggest test will be the fact that just about everybody will be coming out of a T20 format, and Test cricket is a longer format. So, I think that’s going to be the big challenge,” voiced Gavaskar during a discussion on Star Sports.
The esteemed commentator points out that, apart from Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara, all other players in the squad have primarily been engaged in the shortest format. Pujara’s involvement in county cricket for Sussex has provided him with valuable experience in English conditions, setting him apart from his teammates.
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“They (India) have only Cheteshwar Pujara who has been playing in the English County Championship, so he will be the only guy who has played the longer format in these conditions. That’s going to be the big challenge for them,” emphasizes Gavaskar.
Meanwhile, the spotlight falls on Ajinkya Rahane, who will play a pivotal role for the Indian team in the WTC Final. The seasoned batsman returned to the Test side after more than a year, displaying exceptional form in domestic cricket and leaving a lasting impression in the IPL.
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Gavaskar believes Rahane’s experience of playing in English conditions will be vital for India, as he assumes the crucial number 5 position against a formidable Australian bowling attack.
“With his extensive experience in England and his ability to score runs there, I believe he will be crucial at number 5. He certainly has a point to prove, and I firmly believe he has a lot more cricket left in him. This is a golden opportunity for him,” expresses Gavaskar optimistically.
The revered cricketer-turned-commentator hopes that Rahane seizes this opportunity with his wealth of experience, securing a place back in the Indian team and further extending his successful professional career. As India prepares to face their toughest challenge in the WTC Final, the ability of their players to seamlessly transition from T20 to Test cricket will be a defining factor in their pursuit of glory.