Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Indian team to make the most of the two extra days after their early loss in the second Test match in Adelaide. Sunil Gavaskar advised the Rohit Sharma-led team to treat the remaining matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024 as a three-match series.
Australia secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over India in the second Test match, leveling the five-match series 1-1. Notably, the pink-ball Test match ended in just two-and-a-half days. The teams will now meet again for the third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, which is set to begin on December 14.
You Can’t Be Sitting in Your Hotel Rooms – Sunil Gavaskar
Speaking to Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar emphasized that the team should avoid wasting time in their hotel rooms. Gavaskar urged the Indian team to focus on addressing their mistakes from the Adelaide Test.
“Look at the remainder of the series as a three-match series. Forget that it’s a five-match series. What I would like the Indian team to do is use the next couple of days as practice,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“You can’t be sitting in your hotel rooms because you have come here to play cricket. You don’t have to practice the whole day, you can practice a session in morning or afternoon, but don’t waste the two days. You would’ve been here playing a Test if it went for five days,” he added.
India Batters Lasted Just 81 Overs Across Two Innings in Adelaide
The India cricket team resumed the third day at 128/5 and was bowled out for 175 in their second innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy was the top scorer for the visitors with 42 off 47 balls. But it wasn’t enough to avoid a heavy defeat. Australia easily chased down the 19-run target in 3.2 overs to seal the victory.
India’s batting woes continued, with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failing to make an impact. The team played just 81 overs across both innings. Jasprit Bumrah delivered an impressive bowling performance but lacked support from the other end to restrict Australia to a low score in the first innings.
It’s an Honour, Privilege to Play for India – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar emphasized that the responsibility for organizing extra practice sessions lies with the captain and coach. He stated that players must put in the effort to regain rhythm, especially when struggling with form. Gavaskar also pointed out that it’s an honor to play for India.
“You have to give yourself a chance to get into rhythm. You haven’t got runs, your bowlers haven’t got rhythm. The optional practice should only be depended on captain and coach.”
“The coach can say, ‘hey, you got 150 or you bowled 40 overs in the match, you don’t need to come to practice’. They should be the one giving the options, not the players. If it is left to the players, they will certainly say, ‘no, i will be staying in my room’. “That’s not what Indian cricket is. It’s an honour, privilege to be playing for India,” said Gavaskar.
Also read: ‘Australia better than us’: Rohit Sharma surrenders hope after crushing Adelaide Test loss