Gavaskar Pushes for Australia Warm-Up Match

Sunil Gavaskar has urged Team India to rethink their decision to cancel a scheduled warm-up match against an India A side ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Originally, India planned an intra-squad match to help players acclimate to Australian conditions. Instead, they now plan a centre-wicket match simulation for more focused practice time. Gavaskar believes that while this may suit senior players, it overlooks the value of experience for juniors unaccustomed to Australian pitches.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Gavaskar highlighted the importance of the warm-up game for younger, less experienced players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel. He emphasised that practice against local Australian teams or an Australia A side could help juniors adjust to the unique bounce and pace of Australian wickets.

Following India’s recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand, captain Rohit Sharma defended the decision to opt for match simulations, citing a lack of time for a full practice match. He emphasised that simulations provide more dedicated time for both batters and bowlers to prepare.

Gavaskar, however, advised young batsmen to focus on self-belief and to face quick throwdowns to simulate Australian conditions, cautioning them on the need for patience in five-day games. He noted that while Australian pitches can be challenging initially, they offer favourable conditions for scoring once the new ball effect fades.