FOCUS IS ON BATS
Gavaskar says India’s batting depth envy of world cricket
New Delhi, June 16: Former captain Sunil Gavaskar says India’s batting depth helps them bounce back from tough situations, as they face an upbeat New Zealand in the World Test Championship final this week.
India have a host of batting stars in their line-up including skipper Virat Kohli, his deputy Ajinkya Rahane and dashing opener Rohit Sharma.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both spinners who have six Test centuries between them while batting in the middle and lower-middle order, are also expected to take to the field in the title clash in Southampton starting Friday.
“With Ashwin and Jadeja playing so well, India’s batting depth is the envy of the cricketing world,” Gavaskar, who is in England as a television pundit for the final, said.
“Yes, there could be the odd bad-innings like Adelaide, Australia, but this team is like a wonderful rubber ball, always bouncing back and keep on bouncing,” he added.
India crashed to a record low of 36 all out in the first Test in Australia last year before bouncing back to win the four-match series 2-1 in a dramatic final in Brisbane in January. New Zealand, led by the world’s top Test batsman Kane Williamson, head into the final with a recent 1-0 win over hosts England in a two-match series.
Gavaskar said New Zealand now have quality players in their team that have settled well in English conditions.
“New Zealand is a team that has invariably flown under the radar and thus underestimated by the opposition,” said Gavaskar.
“They have one of the greatest batsmen in the world in their team as well as a pace bowler who will be among the greatest left arm pacers too. They will be high on confidence after the win over England,” he added.
India last played in March and are coming out of a stint in quarantine but Gavaskar believes the team would be hungry to perform. — PTI