India’s humiliating 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand has raised serious concerns about the team’s preparation and approach. This is the first time India has suffered a clean sweep in a Test series of three or more matches on home soil.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has slammed the team for its dismal performance, particularly the batters’ inability to counter the New Zealand spinners. Gavaskar believes that the Indian team was not adequately prepared for the series and cited Sachin Tendulkar’s meticulous preparation for an important series in 1998 as an example.
In 1998, India was set to face Australia in a home Test series. Gavaskar revealed how Tendulkar prepared himself during warm-up games for Mumbai against Australia to counter Shane Warne during the Test matches.
“That’s the reason why Sachin Tendulkar was Sachin Tendulkar. He was so fiercely proud of what he could do and what he wanted to do for the team,” Gavaskar said. “He asked Laxman Sivaramakrishnan to come and go around the wicket, create a rough around that area so that he could practice that slog sweep and the inside out shot against Shane Warne.”
Gavaskar emphasized the importance of such preparation, stating that it is essential for players to be ready for the challenges they will face in international cricket. He believes that the Indian team’s lack of preparation contributed to their poor performance against New Zealand.
“So, I think that is the kind of preparation that everybody needs to do. If you don’t do it then with the gaps that are there will always be that little body speed and back speed situation, which takes a long time to get back,” Gavaskar said.
The Indian team’s performance in the Test series against New Zealand has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. The team’s batters have struggled against spin bowling, and their bowlers have been unable to take wickets consistently.
The Indian team will need to address these issues if they want to regain their status as one of the top Test teams in the world. They will have a chance to do so in their upcoming Test series against Australia, which begins on February 9.
