Former Indian batter and 1983 World Cup winner Sunil Gavaskar feels that India have no reason to slow down in the 5th and series-concluding Test match against England. Gavaskar made this claim while writing for his column on Mid-day, wherein he also stated the visitors will feel more at home given the overhead conditions in Dharamshala.
Rohit Sharma‘s India have already clinched the series by 3-1 with their 4th Test win at the JSCA stadium in Ranchi. The hosts claimed victory by 5 wickets on the back of superb batting performances from Jaiswal, Jurel, and Gill. The win was also made possible due to the efforts of Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav. Despite the last Test being a mere obligation for India, Sunil Gavaskar thinks they will not be slowing down.
Sunil Gavaskar mentions the WTC points table as the factor for India’s determination to win the 5th Test
Sunil Gavaskar wrote that England should not enter the Dharamshala Test thinking India will lower their intensity. The visitors should bring their A-game because the Indians will be aiming to grab those important WTC points. India are currently leading the WTC table with 62 points and 64.58 percent from 5 wins, 2 losses, and a draw in the 2023-25 cycle.
“There’s a school of thought that thinks that with the series decided, the Indians may ease up a bit, but they forget that even a dead rubber match carries points for winning, and all those matter when it comes to qualifying for the World Test Championship final.”
“So, there’s no chance of the Indian team taking it easy. Sure, the pressure will be just that little bit less since the series is already won, but there are places to secure and add to individual aggregates too.” – Gavaskar wrote on his Mid-day column.
The 5-wicket win in Ranchi (4th Test) last week, ensured that India have won their 17th straight home red-ball series since 2012. No other team has ever looked this dominant on home soil or have taken Test cricket with this much seriousness.
But the fact that India displays dominance during the build-up phases but succumbs during the knockouts, is something Rahul Dravid and Co. should change before their tenure ends. Rohit Sharma’s side still has a chance to land a major ICC trophy this year through the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies but can they make it happen? Time will tell.
Gavaskar asks India to be wary of Dharamshala’s overhead conditions that might suit England
Sunil Gavaskar further wrote that India should be wary of Dharamshala’s overhead conditions that might suit the English contingent. The cool and breezy weather in Himachal Pradesh is similar to that of England and Gavaskar warned that the ball might make movement in the air and that India should not get complacent.
“With just one Test match left in the series and that too in weather conditions more English than Indian, the visitors should feel a lot at home. The ball should swing a lot more in the air, but whether it will also seam off the pitch remains to be seen.” – Gavaskar concluded.
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