Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Cheteshwar Pujara’s potential contributions to the Indian team ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Having participated extensively in the English County Championship, Pujara’s insights are expected to be particularly valuable.
Gavaskar highlighted Pujara’s experience and his tenure as captain of Sussex as key factors that could aid the Indian batting unit. His familiarity with the conditions at The Oval, where the final will take place from June 7-11, positions him uniquely to offer strategic advice, especially concerning Australian batsman Steve Smith, who is among his current teammates.
The WTC final will see Indian batters transitioning from the fast pace of T20 cricket to the nuanced requirements of Test cricket. Gavaskar emphasized the importance of adjusting bat speed to enhance control, advocating for a late play approach in English conditions. This tactic allows batters to better handle the swing that can occur in overcast weather, which is common in England.
To mitigate the challenges posed by local conditions, he recommended that Indian bowlers focus on delivering fuller length balls. This strategy is crucial in order to exploit the swing potential of the Dukes ball, both in the air and off the pitch. Gavaskar underscored that adapting to the English climate—characterized by cooler temperatures and cloudy skies—can be a hurdle for players used to sunnier conditions.
The Indian squad may benefit from additional practice by scheduling warm-up matches prior to the Test. Such preparation could familiarize them with the peculiarities of English pitches and conditions, ultimately improving their performance during the final. Gavaskar’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the nuances involved in transitioning from one format to another, especially in challenging overseas settings.