Gavaskar Hails India's T20I Series Triumph as Crucial World Cup Preparation Phase
NEW DELHI: Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has emphasized that India's comprehensive performance in the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand represents far more than a standard bilateral victory. According to the batting icon, this series serves as an essential early warm-up exercise for India's upcoming mission to defend their T20 World Cup championship.
Series as Appetizer Before Main Course
With India securing an unassailable 3-0 lead following their commanding eight-wicket victory in Guwahati, Gavaskar observed clear indicators of meticulous preparation within the squad. "This series is like an appetizer; the main course begins from the 7th of February," Gavaskar remarked during his appearance on the JioHotstar show. "Having clinched the series, the team's attention now firmly shifts toward defending the World Cup title. These players are engaging in thorough preparation."
Leaving Nothing to Chance
Gavaskar highlighted how India is ensuring no aspect is overlooked, even with several players yet to receive substantial time at the crease during matches. "Some of them haven't even had the opportunity to bat, so they are diligently working on range-hitting, timing, rhythm, bat flow, and pick-up during practice sessions," he explained. "This demonstrates the team's focused approach; they are neither taking the World Cup lightly nor treating anything as guaranteed."
Depth and Confidence as Key Takeaways
The former captain identified India's remarkable squad depth as one of the most significant positives emerging from the series. "India possesses complete self-assurance. When you have players of the caliber of Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya batting in the lower order, and they haven't even needed to bat in two matches while India still wins comfortably, it reveals the exceptional quality this team embodies," Gavaskar noted.
Perfect Batting Mindset for T20 Cricket
Gavaskar also expressed admiration for the current batting philosophy, which he believes aligns perfectly with the demands of T20 cricket. "In a 20-over contest, if a batter convinces himself that he has five or seven overs, he can aim to score off nearly every delivery. It doesn't always necessitate a boundary or a six. The objective is to ensure every ball contributes," he elaborated, adding that the team's capacity to rebound from minor setbacks characterizes this side.
Special Praise for Emerging Talent
Gavaskar reserved particular commendation for young Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive 14-ball half-century in Guwahati stands as the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. "Achieving a fifty in just two overs is exceptionally challenging. However, what Abhishek Sharma has demonstrated is his capability to accomplish such feats," he said, humorously noting that "the happiest person will be Yuvraj Singh" as his longstanding record nears being surpassed by his protégé.
Captain's Timely Return to Form
Regarding Suryakumar Yadav, Gavaskar stated that the captain's innings in Raipur arrived at an ideal moment. "He hasn't been lacking form; he's been short of runs. That knock provided him precisely the confidence he required," Gavaskar concluded, underscoring the importance of momentum as India continues its World Cup preparations.
