Sunil Gavaskar dwells upon India’s challenges ahead of WTC final

In a recent interview with Star Sports’ ‘Follow the Blues,’ former India captain Sunil Gavaskar discussed the upcoming challenge for the Indian cricket team in adapting to the longer format of Test cricket for the ICC WTC Final. Gavaskar emphasized that the players’ transition from the T20 format to Test cricket will be the biggest test they face.

With most players accustomed to the shorter format, Gavaskar noted that only Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been playing in the English County Championship, has experience in the longer format in English conditions. Gavaskar also spoke about Ajinkya Rahane’s opportunity to prove himself in the World Test Championship following his impressive performance in the IPL 2023. Expressing his belief in Rahane’s abilities and experience in England, Gavaskar highlighted the importance of his contribution at number 5 and his potential to regain his place in the Indian team.

Sunil Gavaskar highlighted that the biggest test for India would be to adapt to the test cricket format, he said “The biggest test will be the fact that just about everybody will be coming out of a T20 format, and test cricket is a longer format. So, I think that’s going to be the big challenge. They have only Cheteshwar Pujara who has been playing in the English County Championship, so he will be the only guy who has played the longer format in these conditions, so that’s going to be the big challenge for them.”

Gavaskar also spoke on Ajinkya Rahane’s opportunity of playing in the World Test Championship after his stellar performance in the IPL 2023, he said, “He’s got a lot of experience having played in England, having scored runs in England. So, yes, I think he is going to be crucial down at number 5. And yes, I do believe he has a point to prove, I still feel he has got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him. I’m hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team.”