Several batters have succeeded in playing spin in India, but few non-Indians have been able to do so. However, in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Test series, Australia has found ways to tackle Indian spinners while Indian top order has struggled. Experts have suggested that domestic cricket experience could have helped Indian batters in regaining form and addressing spin woes. Gautam Gambhir has advised Indian batters to play some Ranji Trophy matches to gain match experience and better prepare for future Test matches. Net sessions and camping alone may not be sufficient for optimal preparation.
ONLY NET SESSIONS ARE NEVER ENOUGH: GAUTAM GAMBHIR
Gautam Gambhir was asked about the possibility of Indian players participating in Ranji Trophy matches. In response, he emphasized the importance of gaining match experience and stated that simply practicing in nets and attending camps is insufficient preparation for a match. Furthermore, Gambhir believes that playing in domestic matches would have been beneficial for the Indian players in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
“Not 100 percent, make that 200 percent. The Indian batters should have played a few Ranji Trophy matches ahead of the Test series against Australia. However, they shouldn’t have played those matches just to prepare. It doesn’t matter if you conduct 20-day camps or bat in the nets,”
Gambhir said.
“Australia struggled in the first two matches because of their mindset of not playing practice matches. This is a negative mindset. The same goes for the Indian batters. And I am talking about the batters, the fast bowlers need rest and they can take a break. But the batters should go play in Ranji Trophy, make centuries and double centuries. It is very important to play red-ball cricket before an important series,”
Gambhir concluded.
With Usman Khawaja scoring a superb century on Day 1 of the Ahmedabad Test, Australia currently holds a commanding position in the game. Therefore, Day 3 will be crucial for both teams as the Indian batters try to make inroads into the Australian bowlers. It remains to be seen how the match will progress from here on.
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