Rohit Sharma rued lack of preparation time after India's debacle in the recently-concluded World Test Championship (WTC) final where they were brutally hammered by Australia. As the all-important clash took place right after the conclusion of IPL 2023, Indian skipper had pointed out that Test cricket requires more discipline and a time of 20-25 for the preparation.
One month later, now that Indian team is playing a Test series against West Indies, India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing attack on Team India and quashed Rohit Sharma's argument and said that the senior guys don't want to travel in advance for the preparation as they don't fear spot in the team
“What kind of preparation are we talking about? Now they have gone to the West Indies. You have the example of the World Test Championship before you. Are you playing any matches? So, what is this talk about 20-25 days?" Gavaskar told The Indian Express.
However, India bulldozed West Indies by an innings and 141 runs in the first Test in Dominica few days back to lead the series 1-0.
“The team that the West Indies is today, you can go one day before the Test match and still beat them. But that should not blind us to the fact that when you talk about preparation, be genuine about it. Go 15 days before, play two warm-up matches. The main guys can rest, but the guys in the reserve, the fringe players, might be actually challenging some of the guys who are not doing well. He does not get an opportunity to show that he is good enough," Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar also questioned players' fitness and pointed out their frequent injuries despite the team boasts of one of the fittest in the word.
“The truth is the main guys do not want to go early because they know that come what may, they will get selected. When you go early they will talk about the workload. You call yourself the fittest team in the world or fitter than the earlier generations, then how do you break down so soon? How do you have a workload issue when you play a 20-overs game?" Gavaskar concluded.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Hardik Pandya likely to lead Team India in T20I series against Ireland, bigwigs including Rohit Sharma could be rested: Reports
‘Iranian cricketers take inspiration from Dhoni, Kohli’: U-19 coach's earnest appeal to BCCI, asks for financial assistance to flourish cricket in Iran
