India’s humiliating 3-0 series defeat at home against New Zealand has cast a shadow over their upcoming tour of Australia, which begins on November 22. The loss has raised concerns about the team’s preparedness for the high-profile series, especially given the short turnaround time.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has criticized India’s spin-centric approach against New Zealand, arguing that it has compromised their ability to handle pace bowling. He has also questioned the decision to cancel the warm-up game ahead of the first Test in Perth.
Gavaskar believes that the Australia tour will be a significant challenge for India, particularly for the younger players who are traveling Down Under for the first time. He has urged the team management to reconsider their decision and arrange some warm-up games, even if it means playing against state A teams.
The Indian team has a daunting task ahead of them. To qualify for the World Test Championship Final, they must win four out of five matches in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first Test against Australia is scheduled for November 22-26, followed by a two-day warm-up game in Canberra and the Adelaide Test. The remaining three Tests will be played in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
