India's crushing loss in the second Test of IND vs AUS five-match series against Australia has sparked widespread criticism. The hosts handed India a crushing 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide, leveling the series at 1-1.
Team India's lackluster showing has not only disheartened fans but also drawn sharp criticism from former Indian cricketers, including legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who offered strong words and valuable advice to the team ahead of IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Gabba.
Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, India faltered in the day-night Test, failing to put up a fight. Sharing his thoughts on Star Sports, Gavaskar expressed his frustration and urged the team to refocus. He advised, "The team should treat the rest of the series as a fresh, three-match contest. Forget that this is a five-Test series; focus entirely on the next three games as standalone opportunities."
"What I would like the Indian team to do is use the next couple of days as practice. You can't be sitting in your hotel rooms because you have come here to play cricket. You don't have to practice the whole day, you can practice a session in morning or afternoon, but don't waste the two days. You would've been here playing a Test if it went for five days, " Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Gavaskar emphasized that the responsibility for organizing additional practice sessions should rest squarely on the shoulders of the captain and head coach.
"You have to give yourself a chance to get into rhythm. You haven't got runs, your bowlers haven't got rhythm. The optional practice should only be depended on captain and coach. The coach can say, ‘hey, you got 150 or you bowled 40 overs in the match, you don’t need to come to practice'. They should be the one giving the options, not the players. If it is left to the players, they will certainly say, ‘no, i will be staying in my room’,” said Gavaskar.
"That's not what Indian cricket is. It's an honour, privilege to be playing for India, and I counted the number of days they would be here; 57 days is what they will be here for. 25 days for five Tests, two days for PM's XI match, so they got 30 days of off. They got one extra day in Perth, they are getting two days here. So my request to them is to please come here and practice."
The third Test of India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Test series begins from December 14 onwards in Gabba.