Mon Nov 04 13:42:59 UTC 2024: ## Gavaskar Slams India’s “Bazball” Approach After New Zealand Whitewash

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing critique of the current Indian team’s batting strategy, blaming their recent 0-3 Test series whitewash against New Zealand on an over-reliance on aggressive tactics.

In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar argued that the team’s constant attacking mindset is hindering their performance in the longer format. He pointed out that the emphasis on “big hitting” has pushed experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane out of the team, despite their proven ability to wear down opposing attacks.

“The real issue is the thinking where again the short boundaries and big bats mean that batters, after playing three or four dot balls, think they can change the momentum by going for a big shot,” Gavaskar wrote. “It may work with the white ball… but with the red ball, it’s flirting with danger.”

He further criticized the “Bazball” approach popularized by England, arguing that it has failed to deliver consistent results in overseas Tests. Gavaskar stressed that Test cricket demands patience, especially on challenging pitches, and that Indian batsmen should adapt their strategy to suit the conditions and the opposition.

“Test cricket requires some patience,” Gavaskar stated, “but not many modern batters believe in that. There’s this new thinking that, come what may, we will play only at breakneck speed in a five-day game… That kind of thinking is not there. Now there’s this business of belting the ball like England batters are doing and losing badly overseas.”

Gavaskar’s comments have sparked debate about the future direction of Indian Test cricket. Whether the team will take heed of his advice and adopt a more balanced approach remains to be seen.

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