Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane have no place in India’s approach of belting the ball in Tests: Sunil Gavaskar | Cricket News

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Following India’s 0-3 series defeat against New Zealand, discussions emerged regarding Indian batsmen’s difficulties against spin bowling. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong criticism of India’s batting approach that resulted in a disappointing series loss. This marked a historic moment as New Zealand achieved the first-ever Test series whitewash against India on Indian soil.
Gavaskar highlighted concerns about the persistent “attacking mindset” affecting Test cricket performance. He noted that this aggressive strategy has led to the exclusion of players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane from the team.

“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,” Gavaskar told Sportstar.

“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 added.
Gavaskar emphasised that Test cricket success requires patience, and Indian batsmen should adapt their approach based on playing conditions and opposition teams.

“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.

“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. Now there’s this business of belting the ball like England batters are doing and losing badly overseas,” he added.