"Can’t be sitting in your hotel room" - Sunil Gavaskar's strong words of advice for India after massive defeat in 2nd 2024-25 Test
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar advised the Indian player to use the days leading up to the third Test in Brisbane on extensive daily practice instead of relaxing in their hotel rooms. His remarks came after India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat to Australia in under three days of the second Test in Adelaide.
After a memorable 295-run win in the series opener, Rohit Sharma's men were thoroughly outplayed by the hosts in the pink-ball affair in Adelaide. India scored only 180 and 175 in their two innings with no batter even reaching a half-century.
Speaking to the broadcasters post-game, Gavaskar said as quoted by India Today:
"Look at the remainder of the series as a three-match series. Forget it was a five-Test series. What I would like this Indian team to do is use the next couple of days for practice. It’s very important. You can’t be sitting in your hotel room or wherever you’re going because you have come here to play cricket. You don’t have to practice the whole day. You can practice a session in the morning or afternoon, whichever time you choose, but do not waste these days."
He added:
"You would have been here playing a Test match if the Test match were to go on for five days. You have to get yourself that much more time to get into the rhythm because you have not got the runs. Your bowlers haven’t got the rhythm. There are others too who need time in the middle."
India were taken to the cleaners by Player of the Match Travis Head, who scored a blistering 140 off 141 deliveries in Australia's first innings total of 337.
"The decision for optional training should rest with the captain and the coach" - Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar expressed his displeasure over the 'optional practice' concept for players, stating only the captain and the coach should make decisions on practice sessions.
The legendary batter particularly urged the young Indian players to spend more time at the nets before the third Test.
"This optional practice session is something that I don’t believe. The decision for optional training should rest with the captain and the coach. The coach should say, ‘Hey, you hit 150, you don’t need to come to practice. Hey, you bowled 40 overs in the match, you don’t need to come to practice.’ They should not be given the option. If you give the players that option, a lot of them, especially the certainties, will say, ‘No, I am going to stay in my room.’ And that’s not what Indian cricket needs," said Gavaskar.
He added:
"Indian cricket needs people who are totally dedicated to their cause. It’s an honor and privilege to be playing for India. My request to them is to please come and practice. Again, Bumrah doesn’t have to practice. If Rohit and Virat don’t have to practice, that’s fine, because they are experienced players. Let the others come out and practice."
With the five-match series level at 1-1, the action shifts to Brisbane for the crucial third Test, starting on December 14.