In a surprising turn of events, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has openly criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategy for the upcoming Test match against Australia in Perth. Gavaskar’s stern warning to Gambhir has put a spotlight on the selection dilemma facing the Indian team.
SOURCE : ZEE
Gambhir had initially planned to include only one spinner in the playing XI, with a focus on four fast-bowling options. This plan was based on the assumption that the pitch at Optus Stadium would favor seamers. However, Gavaskar has dismissed this approach, advocating instead for the inclusion of both premier spin-bowling all-rounders, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Source:- bbc news
“I believe that you have to pick your best bowlers for the Test match, never mind how the pitch will behave. In Ashwin and Jadeja, we have bowlers who have taken almost 900 wickets between them. They also have between them more than half a dozen Test centuries under their belts. Even if they may not get much help from the pitch, they can, with their skill and experience, slow down the scoring and exert pressure on the batters,” Gavaskar told PTI.
The former captain’s comments come as India prepares for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series without regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave. With Mohammed Shami ruled out due to injury, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team as the stand-in captain. The likely fast-bowling lineup includes Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy potentially making his Test debut.
Gavaskar’s insistence on including Jadeja has added another layer of complexity to the selection process. The 35-year-old all-rounder has had success against Australia in the past and has shown his capabilities in the nets. His presence could provide a significant advantage to the Indian team, especially if the pitch does not offer much assistance to the seamers.
The debate over the playing XI has also brought attention to the batting lineup. With KL Rahul expected to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, Gavaskar has backed Rahul’s ability to perform under pressure. “KL Rahul got one of the finest centuries that I have witnessed first-hand in South Africa last year opening the batting, so doing so here again won’t be an issue for him. Like all batters, he will need some luck at the start, and if he gets that, he can get the team off to a solid opening,” Gavaskar said.
As the Indian team gears up for the Test match, the focus will be on striking the right balance between pace and spin. Gavaskar’s warning serves as a reminder that experience and skill can often trump conditions, and the best players should be given the opportunity to shine.
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