After Virat Kohli announced that he will be stepping down as the skipper of Team India's T20 captain post the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai, critics are now predicting who will lead the team next.&nbsp;

Although the name of opening batsman Rohit Sharma appears to be the first choice, but former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar tossed in another name, who also has the potential. Commenting on the future leadership role in T20Is, the batting legend said KL Rahul is captaincy material.&nbsp;

"It's a good thing that the BCCI is looking ahead. It's important to think ahead," said Gavaskar on Sports Tak. "If India are looking to groom a new captain, then KL Rahul can be looked at. He has performed well. Even now in England, his batting was very good. He has been performing well in IPL and 50-overs cricket as well at the international stage. He can be made vice-captain," Gavaskar added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-rishabh-pant-to-remain-delhi-capitals-skipper-for-uae-leg-413640">IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant to remain Delhi Capitals skipper for UAE leg</a>

"He has shown very impressive leadership qualities in the IPL. He hasn't let the burden of captaincy affect his batting. His name can be taken into consideration," Gavaskar further added.&nbsp;

While announcing his decision, Virat said that he discussed it with head coach Ravi Shastri and opening batsman Rohit Sharma. "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," said Kohli.&nbsp;

Virat also wrote, "I feel I need to give myself space to be Full ready to Lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a Batsman moving forward."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/timely-done-or-untimely-virat-kohlis-resignation-as-t20i-captain-after-world-cup-leads-to-more-questions-than-answers-413572">Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers</a>

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After Virat Kohli announced that he will be stepping down as the skipper of Team India's T20 captain post the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai, critics are now predicting who will lead the team next.

After Virat Kohli announced that he will be stepping down as the skipper of Team India's T20 captain post the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai, critics are now predicting who will lead the team next. Although the name of opening batsman Rohit Sharma appears to be the first choice, but former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar tossed in another name, who also has the potential. Commenting on the future leadership role in T20Is, the batting legend said KL Rahul is captaincy material. "It's a good thing that the BCCI is looking ahead. It's important to think ahead," said Gavaskar on Sports Tak. "If India are looking to groom a new captain, then KL Rahul can be looked at. He has performed well. Even now in England, his batting was very good. He has been performing well in IPL and 50-overs cricket as well at the international stage. He can be made vice-captain," Gavaskar added. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant to remain Delhi Capitals skipper for UAE leg "He has shown very impressive leadership qualities in the IPL. He hasn't let the burden of captaincy affect his batting. His name can be taken into consideration," Gavaskar further added. While announcing his decision, Virat said that he discussed it with head coach Ravi Shastri and opening batsman Rohit Sharma. "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," said Kohli. Virat also wrote, "I feel I need to give myself space to be Full ready to Lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a Batsman moving forward." ALSO READ | Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers 🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 ×

Sunil Gavaskar feels KL Rahul can be groomed as a future India captain

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India's forthcoming T20 World Cup on September 8. While the squad features some surprise inclusions and few notable omission, R Ashwin's comeback has surely made heads turn.&nbsp;

For the unversed, the 34-year-old Ashwin wasn't favoured in the limited-overs squad since mid-2017. However, with Yuzvendra Chahal's dip in form and Washington Sundar's injury, Ashwin was preferred for the T20 WC. Though Ashwin's record in T20 WC is exceptional, with 20 wickets in 15 innings, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar feels it is just a consolation for his England Tests snub.

Ashwin didn't feature in the four Tests versus England, in the United Kingdom, and Gavaskar feels his inclusion is just a consolation as he might still find it tough to find a place in the line-up.&nbsp;

"Ashwin's return is a good thing but we'll have to wait and see if he gets a place in the playing XI. You have selected him in the 15, that's alright, you chose him in the squad in England as well but are not giving him the chance in the XI,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak. "So, he’s perhaps just given a consolation cup to make up for the disappointment that he might have here (in England). Will he play in the XI? Only time will tell,” he added.

Apart from Ashwin, MS Dhoni was also included in the T20 WC squad as a team mentor. On the former Indian captain's return to the Indian dressing room, Gavaskar said, "MS Dhoni being the mentor is bigger news than Ashwin's selection because a captain, who led India to the 2011 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup wins, if he's in that camp, then India will immensely benefit from it."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-rohit-sharmas-backing-led-to-r-ashwins-inclusion-in-virat-kohli-led-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-reports-412041">How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports</a>

India are placed in Group 2 in the marquee event, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams who will join from the qualifiers. The Kohli-led Men in Blue will commence their campaign on October 24, versus arch-rivals Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. They will hope to win their second T20 WC after the success in the inaugural edition.

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India's forthcoming T20 World Cup on September 8. While the squad features some surprise inclusions and few notable omission, R Ashwin's comeback has surely made heads turn.

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India's forthcoming T20 World Cup on September 8. While the squad features some surprise inclusions and few notable omission, R Ashwin's comeback has surely made heads turn. For the unversed, the 34-year-old Ashwin wasn't favoured in the limited-overs squad since mid-2017. However, with Yuzvendra Chahal's dip in form and Washington Sundar's injury, Ashwin was preferred for the T20 WC. Though Ashwin's record in T20 WC is exceptional, with 20 wickets in 15 innings, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar feels it is just a consolation for his England Tests snub. Ashwin didn't feature in the four Tests versus England, in the United Kingdom, and Gavaskar feels his inclusion is just a consolation as he might still find it tough to find a place in the line-up. "Ashwin's return is a good thing but we'll have to wait and see if he gets a place in the playing XI. You have selected him in the 15, that's alright, you chose him in the squad in England as well but are not giving him the chance in the XI,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak. "So, he’s perhaps just given a consolation cup to make up for the disappointment that he might have here (in England). Will he play in the XI? Only time will tell,” he added. Apart from Ashwin, MS Dhoni was also included in the T20 WC squad as a team mentor. On the former Indian captain's return to the Indian dressing room, Gavaskar said, "MS Dhoni being the mentor is bigger news than Ashwin's selection because a captain, who led India to the 2011 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup wins, if he's in that camp, then India will immensely benefit from it." ALSO READ | How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports India are placed in Group 2 in the marquee event, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams who will join from the qualifiers. The Kohli-led Men in Blue will commence their campaign on October 24, versus arch-rivals Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. They will hope to win their second T20 WC after the success in the inaugural edition.

Sunil Gavaskar terms R Ashwin's inclusion in T20 WC squad as 'consolation' for England Tests snub

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on BCCI's offer to ECB on rescheduling the fifth Test between India and England that was called off citing COVID-19 fears.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-are-tired-dinesh-karthik-reveals-conversation-with-indian-cricketers-412274" hreflang="en">'They are tired': Dinesh Karthik reveals conversation with Indian cricketers</a>

The batting legend took an example of 2008 England's tour to India when Kevin Pietersen and Co. decided to fly back to UK midway due to the terror attacks of 26/11 that took place in Mumbai. However, the English side came back the very next month to resume the two-match Test series.&nbsp;

"We as Indians should never forget that the England team came back after the horrific attacks of 2008. They would have been perfectly entitled to say 'we are not comfortable to come back'.

"So, we should never forget that Kevin Pietersen led the team and he was the main man. If KP had said 'no I don't want to go' that would have been the end of the tour. It was because KP convinced the others that the team came and we had that fantastic Test match in Chennai where India chased down 380 on Day 5 to win," Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network.

The second Test of the 2008 series was shifted to Chennai from Mumbai.&nbsp;

"That gesture of the ECB must be remembered," Gavaskar said.

The fifth Test between India and England was called off over COVID-19 fears. The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results. However, players expressed their concerns over playing at Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.&nbsp;

"In lieu of the strong relationship between BCCI and ECB, the BCCI has offered to ECB a rescheduling of the cancelled Test match. Both the Boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match," the BCCI said in a statement.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on BCCI's offer to ECB on rescheduling the fifth Test between India and England that was called off citing COVID-19 fears.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on BCCI's offer to ECB on rescheduling the fifth Test between India and England that was called off citing COVID-19 fears. ALSO READ: 'They are tired': Dinesh Karthik reveals conversation with Indian cricketers The batting legend took an example of 2008 England's tour to India when Kevin Pietersen and Co. decided to fly back to UK midway due to the terror attacks of 26/11 that took place in Mumbai. However, the English side came back the very next month to resume the two-match Test series. "We as Indians should never forget that the England team came back after the horrific attacks of 2008. They would have been perfectly entitled to say 'we are not comfortable to come back'. "So, we should never forget that Kevin Pietersen led the team and he was the main man. If KP had said 'no I don't want to go' that would have been the end of the tour. It was because KP convinced the others that the team came and we had that fantastic Test match in Chennai where India chased down 380 on Day 5 to win," Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network. The second Test of the 2008 series was shifted to Chennai from Mumbai. "That gesture of the ECB must be remembered," Gavaskar said. The fifth Test between India and England was called off over COVID-19 fears. The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results. However, players expressed their concerns over playing at Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday. "In lieu of the strong relationship between BCCI and ECB, the BCCI has offered to ECB a rescheduling of the cancelled Test match. Both the Boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match," the BCCI said in a statement.

'Indians should never forget England's gesture after 26/11', says Sunil Gavaskar

Team India's 15-man squad was announced on Wednesday evening (September 8) for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli &amp; Co. will start their campaign on October 24 versus arch-rivals Pakistan, on October 24, whereas the showpiece event will kick off from October 17 in the UAE.

Kohli-led Indian squad have a good mix of youngsters as well as experienced campaigners but the biggest surprise was the inclusion of MS Dhoni. The former Indian captain, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, will act as the team's mentor for the marquee event. His calmness, experience and tactical acumen will come in handy for the Men in Blue as they gear up to win their second T20 World Cup title, and first-ever ICC trophy since 2013.

Following Dhoni's inclusion as a mentor, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar termed the appointment as 'good news' but also shared one small apprehension which the role might create. "Under his leadership, India won the 2011 World Cup and four years before that, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup. It's definitely going to benefit Team India," said Gavaskar on Aaj Tak.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-did-you-know-ms-dhoni-was-dropped-from-team-indias-t20i-squad-in-2018-411798">Throwback: Did you know? MS Dhoni was dropped from Team India's T20I squad in 2018</a>

The former Indian opener, however, took an example of when he was appointed a consultant for India in 2004. "At the time, (then-head coach) John Wright was a bit nervous, he probably thought I was going to take his place. But Ravi Shastri knows that MS Dhoni has very little interest in coaching. Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni, if the partnership goes well, India will benefit a great deal from it," Gavaskar opined.

He further added, "But if there are disagreements over tactics and team selection, then there might be bit of an effect on the team. But MS Dhoni's appointment itself will be a big boost for Team India. He has so much experience, he knows everything. There was no bigger, destructive player than MS Dhoni when he was active in international cricket. MS Dhoni's appointment is good news for India but I am just praying there is no clash. But if Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni can get on the same wavelength, then it's big news for India."

Dhoni has been one of the most decorated Indian cricketers ever. He amassed over 17,266 international runs, accounted for 195 stumpings, 359 sixes, 634 catches, won several games as a finisher and power-hitter and led India to all three major ICC titles. Fans are pinning hopes on the 40-year-old to contribute once again, this time as a mentor, to help India end their 8-year-long ICC title drought.

Team India's 15-man squad was announced on Wednesday evening (September 8) for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli & Co. will start their campaign on October 24 versus arch-rivals Pakistan, on October 24, whereas the showpiece event will kick off from October 17 in the UAE.

Team India's 15-man squad was announced on Wednesday evening (September 8) for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli & Co. will start their campaign on October 24 versus arch-rivals Pakistan, on October 24, whereas the showpiece event will kick off from October 17 in the UAE. Kohli-led Indian squad have a good mix of youngsters as well as experienced campaigners but the biggest surprise was the inclusion of MS Dhoni. The former Indian captain, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, will act as the team's mentor for the marquee event. His calmness, experience and tactical acumen will come in handy for the Men in Blue as they gear up to win their second T20 World Cup title, and first-ever ICC trophy since 2013. Following Dhoni's inclusion as a mentor, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar termed the appointment as 'good news' but also shared one small apprehension which the role might create. "Under his leadership, India won the 2011 World Cup and four years before that, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup. It's definitely going to benefit Team India," said Gavaskar on Aaj Tak. ALSO READ | Throwback: Did you know? MS Dhoni was dropped from Team India's T20I squad in 2018 The former Indian opener, however, took an example of when he was appointed a consultant for India in 2004. "At the time, (then-head coach) John Wright was a bit nervous, he probably thought I was going to take his place. But Ravi Shastri knows that MS Dhoni has very little interest in coaching. Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni, if the partnership goes well, India will benefit a great deal from it," Gavaskar opined. He further added, "But if there are disagreements over tactics and team selection, then there might be bit of an effect on the team. But MS Dhoni's appointment itself will be a big boost for Team India. He has so much experience, he knows everything. There was no bigger, destructive player than MS Dhoni when he was active in international cricket. MS Dhoni's appointment is good news for India but I am just praying there is no clash. But if Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni can get on the same wavelength, then it's big news for India." Dhoni has been one of the most decorated Indian cricketers ever. He amassed over 17,266 international runs, accounted for 195 stumpings, 359 sixes, 634 catches, won several games as a finisher and power-hitter and led India to all three major ICC titles. Fans are pinning hopes on the 40-year-old to contribute once again, this time as a mentor, to help India end their 8-year-long ICC title drought.

'MS Dhoni's appointment is good news but....' - Sunil Gavaskar reacts as former captain named India's mentor for T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli-led India had a memorable Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, at The Oval, London, versus England. Resuming the day with England being well-placed at 77 for no loss, and further to 100-0, Indian bowlers scripted the visitors' terrific comeback post the lunch session to dismiss England for 210 in 92.2 overs.&nbsp;

Courtesy Jasprit Bumrah's twin strikes post lunch, and Ravindra Jadeja-Shardul Thakur's breakthroughs, followed by Umesh Yadav's 3-fer, India reduced England to 193-8, from 141-2, before wrapping their innings for 210 to win by 157 runs and go 2-1 up in the five-match series. Ahead of India's unassailable lead in the series, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar wasn't happy with a certain section of the Indian spectators at The Oval, London.&nbsp;

A section of fans carried the Indian national flag which had ‘We Bleed Blue’ written over it. The former Indian opener didn't approve of this and slammed them. He schooled them not to deface the national flag while showing their love and admiration for the national side. He was caught on-air saying, "No matter how big a fan you are, do not deface the National Flag. That is how it has been, that is how it should remain."

Meanwhile, after India's triumph, skipper Kohli said at the post-match presentation, "&nbsp;I am proud of the character shown by the team, this is amongst the top three bowling performances I have witnessed as India captain. The bowlers were good with the reverse swing today. We believed we could get all 10 wickets, we had the belief. As soon as the ball started reversing, Bumrah said give me the ball. He bowled that spell and swung the game in our favour with those two huge wickets. I think you pointed his performance. Rohit's innings was fantastic. What Shardul has done in this game stands out. His two fifties deflated the opposition. I think he batted well in both the innings. We never go towards analysis, statistics and numbers. We know what we need to focus on and we take a collective decision as a group (on the playing XI)."

Kohli &amp; Co. will now travel to Old Trafford, Manchester for the fifth and final Test, which commences from September 10 (Friday). India will aim for their first-ever Test series win on English soil, since 2007, in the series decider.

Virat Kohli-led India had a memorable Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, at The Oval, London, versus England. Resuming the day with England being well-placed at 77 for no loss, and further to 100-0, Indian bowlers scripted the visitors' terrific comeback post the lunch session to dismiss England for 210 in 92.

Virat Kohli-led India had a memorable Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, at The Oval, London, versus England. Resuming the day with England being well-placed at 77 for no loss, and further to 100-0, Indian bowlers scripted the visitors' terrific comeback post the lunch session to dismiss England for 210 in 92.2 overs. Courtesy Jasprit Bumrah's twin strikes post lunch, and Ravindra Jadeja-Shardul Thakur's breakthroughs, followed by Umesh Yadav's 3-fer, India reduced England to 193-8, from 141-2, before wrapping their innings for 210 to win by 157 runs and go 2-1 up in the five-match series. Ahead of India's unassailable lead in the series, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar wasn't happy with a certain section of the Indian spectators at The Oval, London. A section of fans carried the Indian national flag which had ‘We Bleed Blue’ written over it. The former Indian opener didn't approve of this and slammed them. He schooled them not to deface the national flag while showing their love and admiration for the national side. He was caught on-air saying, "No matter how big a fan you are, do not deface the National Flag. That is how it has been, that is how it should remain." Meanwhile, after India's triumph, skipper Kohli said at the post-match presentation, " I am proud of the character shown by the team, this is amongst the top three bowling performances I have witnessed as India captain. The bowlers were good with the reverse swing today. We believed we could get all 10 wickets, we had the belief. As soon as the ball started reversing, Bumrah said give me the ball. He bowled that spell and swung the game in our favour with those two huge wickets. I think you pointed his performance. Rohit's innings was fantastic. What Shardul has done in this game stands out. His two fifties deflated the opposition. I think he batted well in both the innings. We never go towards analysis, statistics and numbers. We know what we need to focus on and we take a collective decision as a group (on the playing XI)." Kohli & Co. will now travel to Old Trafford, Manchester for the fifth and final Test, which commences from September 10 (Friday). India will aim for their first-ever Test series win on English soil, since 2007, in the series decider.

Don't deface the national flag: Sunil Gavaskar schools section of Indian spectators during Day 5 of The Oval Test

India's batting lineup witnessed yet another collapse against England's lethal bowling attack during the Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Oval.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-stand-as-the-team-that-everyone-wants-to-beat-says-virat-kohli-410215" hreflang="en">'We stand as the team that everyone wants to beat', says Virat Kohli</a>

Despite Shardul Thakur's last-minute heroics, the Men in Blue were bundled out for 191 runs.&nbsp;

The wrong foot technique was the reason behind the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara. Now, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar was disappointed by the performance.&nbsp;

"You see the length that is being bowled and see where the batsmen are playing. They are so far committed to the front foot, it's very difficult for them to drop their bats. They just tend to sort of go for it. If you're on the backfoot just that little bit, you have that nano second to drop your wrists and let the ball go," Gavaskar said on The Sony Sports Network.

"You may look like an idiot but you'd still be batting. Whether you look like an idiot or look great, doesn't go down in the scorebooks. It's the number of runs you score. When you follow the ball like Pujara has been doing - he is committed to the front foot - you get yourself into trouble," Gavaskar pointed out.

England won the toss and chose to bowl. Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson scalped 7 wickets and dismantled India's batting attack. &nbsp;

India's batting lineup witnessed yet another collapse against England's lethal bowling attack during the Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Oval. ALSO READ: 'We stand as the team that everyone wants to beat', says Virat Kohli Despite Shardul Thakur's last-minute heroics, the Men in Blue were bundled out for 191 runs.

India's batting lineup witnessed yet another collapse against England's lethal bowling attack during the Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Oval. ALSO READ: 'We stand as the team that everyone wants to beat', says Virat Kohli Despite Shardul Thakur's last-minute heroics, the Men in Blue were bundled out for 191 runs. The wrong foot technique was the reason behind the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara. Now, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar was disappointed by the performance. "You see the length that is being bowled and see where the batsmen are playing. They are so far committed to the front foot, it's very difficult for them to drop their bats. They just tend to sort of go for it. If you're on the backfoot just that little bit, you have that nano second to drop your wrists and let the ball go," Gavaskar said on The Sony Sports Network. "You may look like an idiot but you'd still be batting. Whether you look like an idiot or look great, doesn't go down in the scorebooks. It's the number of runs you score. When you follow the ball like Pujara has been doing - he is committed to the front foot - you get yourself into trouble," Gavaskar pointed out. England won the toss and chose to bowl. Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson scalped 7 wickets and dismantled India's batting attack.

'You may look like an idiot but you'd still be batting', says Sunil Gavaskar

England managed to equal the five-match series (1-1) against India after handing the visitors a crushing defeat in the third Test match that was played at Headingly, Leeds.&nbsp;

The Men in Blue were expected to continue their resistance from Day 3. They kicked off Day 4 with a trail of 139 runs and 8 wickets in hand.&nbsp;

Kohli and Pujara were expected to build on the 99-run partnership they had during Day 3. However, Pujara got out without adding any runs on the scoreboard.&nbsp;

Skipper Virat Kohli soon followed Pujara towards the dugout, shortly after scoring a half-century. India witnessed a batting collapse. From 215/2, they were bowled out for 278 runs in the second innings within 54 minutes, thus handing an innings and 76 runs victory to the hosts.&nbsp;

Now, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar talked about India's batting collapse. During the post-match show on Sony Sports he said: "It was. When you have a look at what we have got at 8,9,10, and 11, we did have some rearguard action at Lord's, where England lost the plot more than anything else. Once the top three batsmen fell, it was clear we (India) were not going to survive for too long. By any stretch of the imagination, in 54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take."

Winning captain Joe Root was overjoyed with the win and during the post-match presentation, he said: "It was a fantastic and clinical performance from the bowlers. The two big lads put loads of pressure with three maidens, and we had a really good opportunity to take wickets and we took them ruthlessly."

"We controlled and hung in with the new ball, and we reaped the rewards. Anderson churns out performances like that and that's why he's the GOAT of Test cricket," he added.&nbsp;

Both teams will now head into the penultimate Test match of the series and will play each other at the Oval.

England managed to equal the five-match series (1-1) against India after handing the visitors a crushing defeat in the third Test match that was played at Headingly, Leeds.

England managed to equal the five-match series (1-1) against India after handing the visitors a crushing defeat in the third Test match that was played at Headingly, Leeds. The Men in Blue were expected to continue their resistance from Day 3. They kicked off Day 4 with a trail of 139 runs and 8 wickets in hand. Kohli and Pujara were expected to build on the 99-run partnership they had during Day 3. However, Pujara got out without adding any runs on the scoreboard. Skipper Virat Kohli soon followed Pujara towards the dugout, shortly after scoring a half-century. India witnessed a batting collapse. From 215/2, they were bowled out for 278 runs in the second innings within 54 minutes, thus handing an innings and 76 runs victory to the hosts. Now, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar talked about India's batting collapse. During the post-match show on Sony Sports he said: "It was. When you have a look at what we have got at 8,9,10, and 11, we did have some rearguard action at Lord's, where England lost the plot more than anything else. Once the top three batsmen fell, it was clear we (India) were not going to survive for too long. By any stretch of the imagination, in 54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take." Winning captain Joe Root was overjoyed with the win and during the post-match presentation, he said: "It was a fantastic and clinical performance from the bowlers. The two big lads put loads of pressure with three maidens, and we had a really good opportunity to take wickets and we took them ruthlessly." "We controlled and hung in with the new ball, and we reaped the rewards. Anderson churns out performances like that and that's why he's the GOAT of Test cricket," he added. Both teams will now head into the penultimate Test match of the series and will play each other at the Oval.

'54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take', says Sunil Gavaskar

Master Blaster Sunil Gavaskar isn't the one to mince his words and his remarks, on-air or while writing for a coloumn, often create quite a stir. In the run-up to the third Test between India and England, which commenced on Wednesday (August 25) at Headingley, Leeds, Gavaskar came across former England captain Nasser Hussain's recent remarks on Team India's previous generation and slammed him left, right and centre.&nbsp;

For the unversed, the 53-year-old Hussain wrote in his column for the Daily Mail, "Virat Kohli is the right man at the right time to lead this formidable India side. His players, in particular the bowlers, want an aggressive captain. They want Kohli stirring things up, as he did so effectively in that brilliant second Test at Lord’s… This India are not a side who will be bullied, as perhaps previous generations have been."

Gavaskar came across his comments and questioned Hussain on-air during the pre-show, on Sony Six, for&nbsp;the third Test. Here's how it all panned out between the two former cricketers:

Gavaskar: You said this India will not be bullied as perhaps the previous generations would be. (Me) Belonging to previous generation, could you perhaps enlighten which generation? And what is the exact meaning of bully?”

Hussain: I just think, the Indian side under the aggression of the past, would have said ‘no no no’. But what Kohli has done is to make them go doubly hard. I saw a little bit of that in Sourav Ganguly’s side and he started that, Virat is continuing with it. Even when Virat was not there, Ajinkya really went hard at the Australians. I just don’t think you want to wake this Indian side up.

Gavaskar: But when you say previous generations were bullied, I don’t think so. I’d be very upset if my generation was being talked about as being bullied. If you have a look at the record, in 1971 we won, that was my first tour in England. 1974, we had internal problems so we lost 3-0. 1979, we lost 1-0, it could have been 1-1 if we chased down 438 at the Oval. 1982 we again lost 1-0. In 1986 we won 2-0, we could have won it 3-0. So, I don’t think my generation we were bullied. I don’t think aggression means you have always got to be at the face of the opposition. You can show passion, you can show your commitment towards your team without yelling after each fall of wicket.

Hussain: I for one, quite like the way Kohli leads this side. That’s what I wanted to say. That team talk in which he said ‘let’s unleash fire on this English side’ and you could see the fire that they unleashed.

Gavaskar: There is no argument in that. The question is saying that the previous generations were bullied. I don’t think this is right.

Hussain's comments came after Virat Kohli-led India scripted a famous win in the second Test, of the ongoing five-match Test series versus England in the United Kingdom, at Lord's by 151 runs. Resuming Day 5 with a lead of only 154 runs, with 4 wickets in hand, India had their back against the wall and were reduced to 209-8 before Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami's unbeaten 89-run stand took India to 298-8, setting up a daunting 272-run target.

In reply, England were bundled out for 120 as India went 1-0 up in the series. What stood out in India's win was Kohli &amp; Co.'s aggressive tactics versus the English camp, who tried to reply in a similar manner but their ploy fell flat.

Master Blaster Sunil Gavaskar isn't the one to mince his words and his remarks, on-air or while writing for a coloumn, often create quite a stir. In the run-up to the third Test between India and England, which commenced on Wednesday (August 25) at Headingley, Leeds, Gavaskar came across former England captain Nasser Hussain's recent remarks on Team India's previous generation and slammed him left, right and centre.

Master Blaster Sunil Gavaskar isn't the one to mince his words and his remarks, on-air or while writing for a coloumn, often create quite a stir. In the run-up to the third Test between India and England, which commenced on Wednesday (August 25) at Headingley, Leeds, Gavaskar came across former England captain Nasser Hussain's recent remarks on Team India's previous generation and slammed him left, right and centre. For the unversed, the 53-year-old Hussain wrote in his column for the Daily Mail, "Virat Kohli is the right man at the right time to lead this formidable India side. His players, in particular the bowlers, want an aggressive captain. They want Kohli stirring things up, as he did so effectively in that brilliant second Test at Lord’s… This India are not a side who will be bullied, as perhaps previous generations have been." Gavaskar came across his comments and questioned Hussain on-air during the pre-show, on Sony Six, for the third Test. Here's how it all panned out between the two former cricketers: Gavaskar: You said this India will not be bullied as perhaps the previous generations would be. (Me) Belonging to previous generation, could you perhaps enlighten which generation? And what is the exact meaning of bully?” Hussain: I just think, the Indian side under the aggression of the past, would have said ‘no no no’. But what Kohli has done is to make them go doubly hard. I saw a little bit of that in Sourav Ganguly’s side and he started that, Virat is continuing with it. Even when Virat was not there, Ajinkya really went hard at the Australians. I just don’t think you want to wake this Indian side up. Gavaskar: But when you say previous generations were bullied, I don’t think so. I’d be very upset if my generation was being talked about as being bullied. If you have a look at the record, in 1971 we won, that was my first tour in England. 1974, we had internal problems so we lost 3-0. 1979, we lost 1-0, it could have been 1-1 if we chased down 438 at the Oval. 1982 we again lost 1-0. In 1986 we won 2-0, we could have won it 3-0. So, I don’t think my generation we were bullied. I don’t think aggression means you have always got to be at the face of the opposition. You can show passion, you can show your commitment towards your team without yelling after each fall of wicket. Hussain: I for one, quite like the way Kohli leads this side. That’s what I wanted to say. That team talk in which he said ‘let’s unleash fire on this English side’ and you could see the fire that they unleashed. Gavaskar: There is no argument in that. The question is saying that the previous generations were bullied. I don’t think this is right. Hussain's comments came after Virat Kohli-led India scripted a famous win in the second Test, of the ongoing five-match Test series versus England in the United Kingdom, at Lord's by 151 runs. Resuming Day 5 with a lead of only 154 runs, with 4 wickets in hand, India had their back against the wall and were reduced to 209-8 before Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami's unbeaten 89-run stand took India to 298-8, setting up a daunting 272-run target. In reply, England were bundled out for 120 as India went 1-0 up in the series. What stood out in India's win was Kohli & Co.'s aggressive tactics versus the English camp, who tried to reply in a similar manner but their ploy fell flat.

Sunil Gavaskar slams Nasser Hussain for 'previous Indian generations got bullied' remark: Don't forget we defeated much better English sides

Virat and Co. will be high on confidence as they beat England at Lord's in the second Test match. India are up by 1-0 in the five-match series and are hopeful to seal their first Test series win in 14 years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-jasprit-bumrah-did-a-very-tough-job-says-zaheer-khan-407398" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: 'Jasprit Bumrah did a very tough job', says Zaheer Khan</a>

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that best in Rohit Sharma is yet to come. Sharma missed a golden chance of scoring an overseas ton at Lord's after the Indian opener was dismissed at 83 runs. However, Gavaskar feels the form Rohit is in it is just a matter of time before the opener gets a maiden overseas century.&nbsp;

"In a five-day Test match, no one has an idea as to how the pitch will behave on the first day – things like whether there is life on this pitch, will the ball bounce more? For that, you need some time and the adjustment Rohit Sharma showed in the first innings, how to do it. He did it brilliantly – what shots to play and what not. Just see how many balls he left, some of them close to the off stump. This adjustment is mental and that is what Rohit accomplished," Gavaskar had said on the Sony Sports Network.

"And this is what gives us hope from a player. If you get a player who can guarantee score 80 runs, then in a five-Test series, he would end up with 400-450 runs. What else does a captain need? Yes, he would be disappointed not scoring a century, but getting a century at Lords isn’t everything," Gavaskar, who never scored an international century at Lord's, mentioned.

"You score a century at Trent Bridge, or Leeds… if you score a century for India in whichever part of the world, that is what is important. And the way he is batting, the time he has and the position in which he gets himself in, it feels as if a century is just around the corner."

Virat and Co. will be high on confidence as they beat England at Lord's in the second Test match. India are up by 1-0 in the five-match series and are hopeful to seal their first Test series win in 14 years.

Virat and Co. will be high on confidence as they beat England at Lord's in the second Test match. India are up by 1-0 in the five-match series and are hopeful to seal their first Test series win in 14 years. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: 'Jasprit Bumrah did a very tough job', says Zaheer Khan Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that best in Rohit Sharma is yet to come. Sharma missed a golden chance of scoring an overseas ton at Lord's after the Indian opener was dismissed at 83 runs. However, Gavaskar feels the form Rohit is in it is just a matter of time before the opener gets a maiden overseas century. "In a five-day Test match, no one has an idea as to how the pitch will behave on the first day – things like whether there is life on this pitch, will the ball bounce more? For that, you need some time and the adjustment Rohit Sharma showed in the first innings, how to do it. He did it brilliantly – what shots to play and what not. Just see how many balls he left, some of them close to the off stump. This adjustment is mental and that is what Rohit accomplished," Gavaskar had said on the Sony Sports Network. "And this is what gives us hope from a player. If you get a player who can guarantee score 80 runs, then in a five-Test series, he would end up with 400-450 runs. What else does a captain need? Yes, he would be disappointed not scoring a century, but getting a century at Lords isn’t everything," Gavaskar, who never scored an international century at Lord's, mentioned. "You score a century at Trent Bridge, or Leeds… if you score a century for India in whichever part of the world, that is what is important. And the way he is batting, the time he has and the position in which he gets himself in, it feels as if a century is just around the corner."

'Century is just around the corner for Rohit Sharma', predicts Sunil Gavaskar

Neeraj Chopra's soaring javelin earned India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. The Indian contingent is returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the country's biggest Games haul ever.

For decades, India’s quest at the Olympics has faced one major hurdle: the massive gap between the nation’s thirst for sporting glory and the number of medals won.

With 126 athletes across 18 sports disciplines, India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across disciplines, the highest ever for the country.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/this-is-indias-best-ever-rank-finish-in-tokyo-olympics-since-1980-check-out-complete-standings-403943">This is India's best ever rank-finish in Olympics since 1980 - check out complete standings</a>

India's best-ever Olympics show came despite an underwhelming performance from the shooters, usually the most consistent athletes in recent Games.

While boxing was also expected to bring more than a single bronze medal, there were also a few near-hits: the valiant efforts of the women's hockey team, Aditi Ashok in women's golf and Deepak Punia in men's freestyle 86kg wrestling.

Particularly satisfying were the exploits of India's women in blue in hockey, a game they once dominated with clinical ruthlessness.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-indias-olympic-haul-and-the-road-ahead-404084/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The women's team were lauded as superstars with their fourth spot while a euphoric India celebrated the country's first hockey medal in 41 years, hoping the hard-earned men's bronze would help them to regain their past glory.

The most successful hockey nation in Olympic history, with eight men's titles, India had not won a medal since the 1980 Moscow Games when they topped the podium.

Chopra's gold on the penultimate day of the Tokyo Games ensured that all was not lost for the Olympians, who are dwarfed by the country's cricket stars when it comes to sponsorship, infrastructure, training, and popularity.

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Abhinav Bindra, whose 10-metre air rifle triumph at the 2008 Games was India's lone gold medal previously, summed up the enormity of Chopra's success.

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And Gold it is for <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you! 
Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you.
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1423979585834680329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As we celebrate this marvelous week in Indian sporting history, let's also take some time out to plan the road ahead. How do we keep the medals coming?

Funds are the lifeline

In the Olympics, as in life, the rich get it all. The countries who bring home the most gold have historically enjoyed the most wealth to begin with. There are three key areas here:

-- The first is infrastructure. Pools, sail boats and modern gyms are expensive. And the facilities required to produce the world's greatest athletes in dozens of sports every four years is a costly undertaking that is unlikely to be found in a developing country.

-- The second is talent magnetism. For both coaches and players, talent works in clusters. Developing countries produce some exceptional athletes, but families looking to get their talented child ahead in life might be more likely to migrate to richer economies.

-- The third is earned success. A survey by&nbsp;Goldman Sachs&nbsp;suggests that the nature of democratic institutions encourage and spotlight exceptional human achievement at a "fundamental level."

The impact of COVID-19 was felt on the sports budget of India when the central government allocated Rs 2596.14 crore or 25.96 billion&nbsp;to the sports budget for the financial year 2021-22, a reduction of Rs 230.78 crore or 2.3 billion, when compared to the amount,&nbsp;earmarked initially for the previous year.

Infrastructure

India needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders.

With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve.

Coaching structure at grass-root level

Coaches can create champions. There are many talents, but only a coach can develop a talented athlete into a champion. The coaches should have a good IQ, they need to have knowledge about the sport and other qualities like a sharp memory. It is not that anybody can become a coach or any champion athlete can become a coach.

We need extra talent in our coaching system. In India, our athletes are more experienced than our coaches, in several cases.

The coaches should refresh their knowledge every six months. As the science of sports is evolving, so are skills related to coaching. The good coaches will keep themselves up-to-date like a smartphone.

Culture and tradition

Even when people excel in sport, they are often discouraged from pursuing it to top levels, by their families and wider community.

Social stratification that prevented people of different cultural, social and class backgrounds from playing sports together may have contributed at least to a small extent in discouraging many from pursuing certain sports.

There is a saying in Hindi, India's National language: 'Kheloge kudoge to honge kharab, padhoge likhoge to banoge nawab'. This translates to 'your life will be a waste if you play but if you study or do well in academics you will be a king.'

The privileged of India had never placed any value on sports or adventure, often glorifying intellectual achievements over physical ones.

Physical labour and activities were always meant for lower strata of society. The elite of India never placed a premium on adventure or sports.

This cultural conditioning reflects in the way the schools and parents treat sports. The first thing to get banned for many children when they reach the 10th or 12th grade in school is their participation in sports.

Both India as a country and its citizens as individuals have other priorities.

Besides the system, the five most important aspects are: sports science, sports medicine, mental conditioning, improving our coaching structure and data analysis.

Correlation between sports and nationalism

There is a correlation between Olympic medals and countries that are run by strong central governments interested in fostering national prestige.

Cuba, North Korea and China and once upon a time the Soviet Union invested heavily in finding and fostering competitive athletes as part of their national ambitions.

Flipside: Athletes' lives after achievements

The medal count and stacks of cash is a dramatic turnaround for Indian sport. India won just two silvers at the 2016 Rio Olympics and athletes have long complained about the lack of resources put into their training. But often we hear tragic stories of former sportsmen and women ending up in dire financial conditions.

Many former sports heroes fell into poverty after finishing their athletic career and have needed help from foundations such as one run by cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar.

Keshav Chandra Datt, a double Olympic hockey gold winner who recently died aged 95, was one of 19 former sports internationals given monthly cash allowances by Gavaskar's The Champs Foundation.

Corruption: The silent sports killer

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended India for electing officials accused of corruption in 2012, in breach of the Olympic charter. However, the ban was lifted after new officials were elected.

The Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi were the first major, multi-discipline event that India has hosted since the Asian Games in 1982.

However, they were marred by the corruption scandal of around Rs 70,000 crore or 700 billion.

Sports federations need to be cleansed of power-hungry officials and politicians. Those interested in the development of the sport, not self or pelf are needed. They must be made thoroughly accountable for how the money is being spent.

Cricket is not the only sport in India

If Tokyo Olympics 2020 has taught the nation anything, it is that cricket is not the only sport in India.

Cricket became a national obsession following India’s surprise victory in the 1983 World Cup while interest in other sports dwindled for lack of success in the international arena.

India has the largest global television cricket audience but, with the world’s fastest-growing major economy after China, is attracting interest from other spectator sports keen to tap into the market, including soccer, Formula One and golf.

When it comes to Olympics, India has a long way to go, but this year's Tokyo Games was a turning point for several sports as well as women in sports.

Here is hoping that Paris Olympics will witness a better medal haul by Team India.

And the good news is, it's just three years away, not four.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Neeraj Chopra's soaring javelin earned India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. The Indian contingent is returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the country's biggest Games haul ever.

Neeraj Chopra's soaring javelin earned India its first Olympic gold medal in athletics. The Indian contingent is returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the country's biggest Games haul ever. For decades, India’s quest at the Olympics has faced one major hurdle: the massive gap between the nation’s thirst for sporting glory and the number of medals won. With 126 athletes across 18 sports disciplines, India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across disciplines, the highest ever for the country. Also see | This is India's best ever rank-finish in Olympics since 1980 - check out complete standings India's best-ever Olympics show came despite an underwhelming performance from the shooters, usually the most consistent athletes in recent Games. While boxing was also expected to bring more than a single bronze medal, there were also a few near-hits: the valiant efforts of the women's hockey team, Aditi Ashok in women's golf and Deepak Punia in men's freestyle 86kg wrestling. Particularly satisfying were the exploits of India's women in blue in hockey, a game they once dominated with clinical ruthlessness. The women's team were lauded as superstars with their fourth spot while a euphoric India celebrated the country's first hockey medal in 41 years, hoping the hard-earned men's bronze would help them to regain their past glory. The most successful hockey nation in Olympic history, with eight men's titles, India had not won a medal since the 1980 Moscow Games when they topped the podium. Chopra's gold on the penultimate day of the Tokyo Games ensured that all was not lost for the Olympians, who are dwarfed by the country's cricket stars when it comes to sponsorship, infrastructure, training, and popularity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Olympic Games (@olympics) Abhinav Bindra, whose 10-metre air rifle triumph at the 2008 Games was India's lone gold medal previously, summed up the enormity of Chopra's success. And Gold it is for @Neeraj_chopra1 .Take a bow, young man ! You have fulfilled a nation's dream. Thank you! Also, welcome to the club - a much needed addition! Extremely proud. I am so delighted for you. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 7, 2021 × As we celebrate this marvelous week in Indian sporting history, let's also take some time out to plan the road ahead. How do we keep the medals coming? Funds are the lifeline In the Olympics, as in life, the rich get it all. The countries who bring home the most gold have historically enjoyed the most wealth to begin with. There are three key areas here: -- The first is infrastructure. Pools, sail boats and modern gyms are expensive. And the facilities required to produce the world's greatest athletes in dozens of sports every four years is a costly undertaking that is unlikely to be found in a developing country. -- The second is talent magnetism. For both coaches and players, talent works in clusters. Developing countries produce some exceptional athletes, but families looking to get their talented child ahead in life might be more likely to migrate to richer economies. -- The third is earned success. A survey by Goldman Sachs suggests that the nature of democratic institutions encourage and spotlight exceptional human achievement at a "fundamental level." The impact of COVID-19 was felt on the sports budget of India when the central government allocated Rs 2596.14 crore or 25.96 billion to the sports budget for the financial year 2021-22, a reduction of Rs 230.78 crore or 2.3 billion, when compared to the amount, earmarked initially for the previous year. Infrastructure India needs an appropriate framework for preparation and practice sessions of competitors that could make them more skillful and exceptional to manage A-list contenders. With plans like Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India and Fit India, we are seeing the government putting stress on allowing opportunities to competitors to exhibit their ability. Our competitors have endeavoured to get the due acknowledgement they deserve. Coaching structure at grass-root level Coaches can create champions. There are many talents, but only a coach can develop a talented athlete into a champion. The coaches should have a good IQ, they need to have knowledge about the sport and other qualities like a sharp memory. It is not that anybody can become a coach or any champion athlete can become a coach. We need extra talent in our coaching system. In India, our athletes are more experienced than our coaches, in several cases. The coaches should refresh their knowledge every six months. As the science of sports is evolving, so are skills related to coaching. The good coaches will keep themselves up-to-date like a smartphone. Culture and tradition Even when people excel in sport, they are often discouraged from pursuing it to top levels, by their families and wider community. Social stratification that prevented people of different cultural, social and class backgrounds from playing sports together may have contributed at least to a small extent in discouraging many from pursuing certain sports. There is a saying in Hindi, India's National language: 'Kheloge kudoge to honge kharab, padhoge likhoge to banoge nawab'. This translates to 'your life will be a waste if you play but if you study or do well in academics you will be a king.' The privileged of India had never placed any value on sports or adventure, often glorifying intellectual achievements over physical ones. Physical labour and activities were always meant for lower strata of society. The elite of India never placed a premium on adventure or sports. This cultural conditioning reflects in the way the schools and parents treat sports. The first thing to get banned for many children when they reach the 10th or 12th grade in school is their participation in sports. Both India as a country and its citizens as individuals have other priorities. Besides the system, the five most important aspects are: sports science, sports medicine, mental conditioning, improving our coaching structure and data analysis. Correlation between sports and nationalism There is a correlation between Olympic medals and countries that are run by strong central governments interested in fostering national prestige. Cuba, North Korea and China and once upon a time the Soviet Union invested heavily in finding and fostering competitive athletes as part of their national ambitions. Flipside: Athletes' lives after achievements The medal count and stacks of cash is a dramatic turnaround for Indian sport. India won just two silvers at the 2016 Rio Olympics and athletes have long complained about the lack of resources put into their training. But often we hear tragic stories of former sportsmen and women ending up in dire financial conditions. Many former sports heroes fell into poverty after finishing their athletic career and have needed help from foundations such as one run by cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar. Keshav Chandra Datt, a double Olympic hockey gold winner who recently died aged 95, was one of 19 former sports internationals given monthly cash allowances by Gavaskar's The Champs Foundation. Corruption: The silent sports killer The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended India for electing officials accused of corruption in 2012, in breach of the Olympic charter. However, the ban was lifted after new officials were elected. The Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi were the first major, multi-discipline event that India has hosted since the Asian Games in 1982. However, they were marred by the corruption scandal of around Rs 70,000 crore or 700 billion. Sports federations need to be cleansed of power-hungry officials and politicians. Those interested in the development of the sport, not self or pelf are needed. They must be made thoroughly accountable for how the money is being spent. Cricket is not the only sport in India If Tokyo Olympics 2020 has taught the nation anything, it is that cricket is not the only sport in India. Cricket became a national obsession following India’s surprise victory in the 1983 World Cup while interest in other sports dwindled for lack of success in the international arena. India has the largest global television cricket audience but, with the world’s fastest-growing major economy after China, is attracting interest from other spectator sports keen to tap into the market, including soccer, Formula One and golf. When it comes to Olympics, India has a long way to go, but this year's Tokyo Games was a turning point for several sports as well as women in sports. Here is hoping that Paris Olympics will witness a better medal haul by Team India. And the good news is, it's just three years away, not four. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hunger and hope: How can India up its game at the Olympics?

After facing a defeat in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India will now take on England in a five-match Test series. However, the Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat and Co. should not be worried about the series against England.&nbsp;

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In his column in The Telegraph, Gavaskar wrote that the Indian team should not be worried about the five-match series as the conditions will be more favourable for batting.&nbsp;

"Indian batsmen need not worry about the series against England in August-September as the sun will be out by then and the pitches will be drier and with the greatest of respect, if Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don't get wickets in their first spell, they struggle in their next spells," wrote Gavaskar.

"The English summer has begun with disappointment [for India] but when disappointment fuels determination then fortunes can be turned and that's the attitude this talented team need to make this a truly Indian summer," he remarked.

The five-match red-ball series will kick off on August 4. The last time Men in Blue played a Test series in English conditions, they suffered a 4-1 loss (in 2017).

The forthcoming five Tests against England will give Team India ostensibly the best chance to put any demons to rest in England. A determined series win would not just recuperate the wounds of the previous few years yet, in addition, clear any questions about the team's future possibilities. &nbsp;

After facing a defeat in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India will now take on England in a five-match Test series. However, the Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat and Co.

After facing a defeat in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India will now take on England in a five-match Test series. However, the Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat and Co. should not be worried about the series against England. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'We known each other for a long time': Kane Williamson on his friendship with Virat Kohli In his column in The Telegraph, Gavaskar wrote that the Indian team should not be worried about the five-match series as the conditions will be more favourable for batting. "Indian batsmen need not worry about the series against England in August-September as the sun will be out by then and the pitches will be drier and with the greatest of respect, if Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don't get wickets in their first spell, they struggle in their next spells," wrote Gavaskar. "The English summer has begun with disappointment [for India] but when disappointment fuels determination then fortunes can be turned and that's the attitude this talented team need to make this a truly Indian summer," he remarked. The five-match red-ball series will kick off on August 4. The last time Men in Blue played a Test series in English conditions, they suffered a 4-1 loss (in 2017). The forthcoming five Tests against England will give Team India ostensibly the best chance to put any demons to rest in England. A determined series win would not just recuperate the wounds of the previous few years yet, in addition, clear any questions about the team's future possibilities.

Cricket- 'Indian batsmen need not worry about the series against England': Sunil Gavaskar

Team India has a respectable break ahead of the five-Test match series against England. Following their loss to New Zealand in the last of the World Test Championship, India have the opportunity to adjust and chip away at the spaces that let them down in Southampton against New Zealand.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar has proposed an adjustment of the opening combination for the Test series against England. He believes that Mayank Agarwal ought to get approval instead of Shubman Gill to open the innings.&nbsp;

India's last three tours through England show that Team India is not very comfortable against the moving Dukes ball in the UK. They last won a Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, however have since lost 0-4, 1-3, 1-4 in resulting visits in 2011, 2014, and 2018 separately. '

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-tim-paine-eats-humble-pie-after-predicting-indias-easy-win-in-wtc-final-394089" hreflang="en">Cricket: Tim Paine eats 'humble pie' after predicting India's easy win in WTC Final</a>

In a conversation with SportsTak, Sunil Gavaskar feels it can begin by reshuffling India's opening blend: "Mayank Agarwal has done a really good job for India, twice he's scored a double century opening the innings. It’s a good thing that the BCCI and Jay Shah have taken the initiative to conduct some warm-up matches before the England Tests so there you can decide who between Gill and Agarwal can open for India."

"Make them open the innings together because Rohit Sharma is a certainty and he can be rested for a game. That would give you an idea of who has the better technique for English conditions. And then based on that, they can make a decision whether they want to play Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill."

According to him, Shubman Gill's concern lies in his absence of footwork, and Sunil Gavaskar figures it is something that was featured in the WTC final in England however even at home when the batsman's runs evaporated.&nbsp;

"Gill's footwork isn't much. He only goes in front and that's not the case with him only in England. Even in the series in India, there too, he had just one movement which is forward. There's no effort to go on the back foot and that is why he plays across the line" - he said.

"Because once your feet go forward, with that balance, it's tough to get back on the backfoot if the length is slightly short, is tough. So he needs to work hard, there's no doubt about his talent. But if he works a bit hard, he will get the reward."

Mayank Agarwal has remained uninvolved subsequent to encountering two bad games in Australia and since Shubman Gill had a rich series down under. Mayank Agarwal averages a solid 45.74 in 14 Tests by scoring 1052 runs, scoring three centuries. With the BCCI a few warm-up games before the series, the management could offer Mayank Agarwal a few chances in those prior to choosing if he could turn into Shubman Gill's substitution at the top.

Team India has a respectable break ahead of the five-Test match series against England. Following their loss to New Zealand in the last of the World Test Championship, India have the opportunity to adjust and chip away at the spaces that let them down in Southampton against New Zealand.

Team India has a respectable break ahead of the five-Test match series against England. Following their loss to New Zealand in the last of the World Test Championship, India have the opportunity to adjust and chip away at the spaces that let them down in Southampton against New Zealand. Sunil Gavaskar has proposed an adjustment of the opening combination for the Test series against England. He believes that Mayank Agarwal ought to get approval instead of Shubman Gill to open the innings. India's last three tours through England show that Team India is not very comfortable against the moving Dukes ball in the UK. They last won a Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, however have since lost 0-4, 1-3, 1-4 in resulting visits in 2011, 2014, and 2018 separately. ' ALSO READ: Cricket: Tim Paine eats 'humble pie' after predicting India's easy win in WTC Final In a conversation with SportsTak, Sunil Gavaskar feels it can begin by reshuffling India's opening blend: "Mayank Agarwal has done a really good job for India, twice he's scored a double century opening the innings. It’s a good thing that the BCCI and Jay Shah have taken the initiative to conduct some warm-up matches before the England Tests so there you can decide who between Gill and Agarwal can open for India." "Make them open the innings together because Rohit Sharma is a certainty and he can be rested for a game. That would give you an idea of who has the better technique for English conditions. And then based on that, they can make a decision whether they want to play Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill." According to him, Shubman Gill's concern lies in his absence of footwork, and Sunil Gavaskar figures it is something that was featured in the WTC final in England however even at home when the batsman's runs evaporated. "Gill's footwork isn't much. He only goes in front and that's not the case with him only in England. Even in the series in India, there too, he had just one movement which is forward. There's no effort to go on the back foot and that is why he plays across the line" - he said. "Because once your feet go forward, with that balance, it's tough to get back on the backfoot if the length is slightly short, is tough. So he needs to work hard, there's no doubt about his talent. But if he works a bit hard, he will get the reward." Mayank Agarwal has remained uninvolved subsequent to encountering two bad games in Australia and since Shubman Gill had a rich series down under. Mayank Agarwal averages a solid 45.74 in 14 Tests by scoring 1052 runs, scoring three centuries. With the BCCI a few warm-up games before the series, the management could offer Mayank Agarwal a few chances in those prior to choosing if he could turn into Shubman Gill's substitution at the top.

Cricket: Sunil Gavaskar suggests a potential change for India ahead of England Tests

Sunil Gavaskar hammered Team India's batting execution in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, noticing that Men in Blue scarcely showed any persistence. He&nbsp;likewise recommended that a lot of white-ball cricket has restrained India's capacity as a batting unit.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli and his men quietly gave up on the last day of the WTC final, in what should be the greatest day for batting with brilliant daylight around.&nbsp;

Writing in his segment in The Telegraph, Sunil Gavaskar was unnerved with India's batting execution, as they played some forgettable shots, which saw them packaged out for 170 in the subsequent innings. He wrote:&nbsp;"The conditions on the final day were bright, and the sun was out in all its glory, but the Indians, so used to the white-ball game, just didn't show the patience required in a Test match and were instrumental in their own downfall with some forgettable shots."&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-will-encourage-shafali-verma-to-enjoy-her-batting-says-mithali-raj-394231" hreflang="en">Cricket: Will encourage Shafali Verma to enjoy her batting, says Mithali Raj</a>

India will be quick to enhance their weaknesses when they take on England in a five-match Test series beginning in August.&nbsp;

After the loss in the WTC final, Virat Kohli expressed that his team's batsmen didn't squeeze the New Zealand bowlers, particularly on Kyle Jamieson, permitting him to bowl in comparable regions for extensive stretches.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, Sunil Gavaskar recommended that to be effective in attempting conditions; one necessity to bat in the manner in which one typically does while being patient and making the right shot choice. As per him, Kane Williamson exemplified that approach consummately.&nbsp;

"What patience and good shot selection can do in trying conditions was seen in the batting of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in both innings. He held the New Zealand innings together and took his team home. What he also showed is that the thinking that a batsman needs to go out and start playing shots on this kind of pitch and in conditions favoring the bowler is just negative thinking. He batted the way he knows how to, and that's what every batsman should do" - Sunil Gavaskar composed.&nbsp;

In spite of the inadequacies, Sunil Gavaskar is certain that Team India will perform better in the Test series against England, as conditions will be significantly greater for batting in August. India will trust that their batting unit can concoct better exhibitions in the series against England.

Sunil Gavaskar hammered Team India's batting execution in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, noticing that Men in Blue scarcely showed any persistence.

Sunil Gavaskar hammered Team India's batting execution in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, noticing that Men in Blue scarcely showed any persistence. He likewise recommended that a lot of white-ball cricket has restrained India's capacity as a batting unit. Virat Kohli and his men quietly gave up on the last day of the WTC final, in what should be the greatest day for batting with brilliant daylight around. Writing in his segment in The Telegraph, Sunil Gavaskar was unnerved with India's batting execution, as they played some forgettable shots, which saw them packaged out for 170 in the subsequent innings. He wrote: "The conditions on the final day were bright, and the sun was out in all its glory, but the Indians, so used to the white-ball game, just didn't show the patience required in a Test match and were instrumental in their own downfall with some forgettable shots." ALSO READ: Cricket: Will encourage Shafali Verma to enjoy her batting, says Mithali Raj India will be quick to enhance their weaknesses when they take on England in a five-match Test series beginning in August. After the loss in the WTC final, Virat Kohli expressed that his team's batsmen didn't squeeze the New Zealand bowlers, particularly on Kyle Jamieson, permitting him to bowl in comparable regions for extensive stretches. Nonetheless, Sunil Gavaskar recommended that to be effective in attempting conditions; one necessity to bat in the manner in which one typically does while being patient and making the right shot choice. As per him, Kane Williamson exemplified that approach consummately. "What patience and good shot selection can do in trying conditions was seen in the batting of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in both innings. He held the New Zealand innings together and took his team home. What he also showed is that the thinking that a batsman needs to go out and start playing shots on this kind of pitch and in conditions favoring the bowler is just negative thinking. He batted the way he knows how to, and that's what every batsman should do" - Sunil Gavaskar composed. In spite of the inadequacies, Sunil Gavaskar is certain that Team India will perform better in the Test series against England, as conditions will be significantly greater for batting in August. India will trust that their batting unit can concoct better exhibitions in the series against England.

Cricket: Team India didn't show the patience needed in a Test match, says Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Rishabh Pant's knock in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl.&nbsp;

The Indian wicketkeeper was seen trying to force things by going down the track multiple times against New Zealand seamers.&nbsp;

“There is a thin line between carefree and careless. Pant has at times breached the line of carefree and careless,” Gavaskar said during commentary on Wednesday.

“A couple of times he went for a big hit when he was in the 90s and missed an opportunity to score a hundred. The only issue with Pant is always going to be his shot selection; otherwise, he has a got the defence, got all the shots and technique,” he added.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000.

The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home.

In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match.

After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30.

New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Rishabh Pant's knock in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Rishabh Pant's knock in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl. The Indian wicketkeeper was seen trying to force things by going down the track multiple times against New Zealand seamers. “There is a thin line between carefree and careless. Pant has at times breached the line of carefree and careless,” Gavaskar said during commentary on Wednesday. “A couple of times he went for a big hit when he was in the 90s and missed an opportunity to score a hundred. The only issue with Pant is always going to be his shot selection; otherwise, he has a got the defence, got all the shots and technique,” he added. New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home. In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match. After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30. New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.

WTC Final- 'Thin line between carefree and careless': Gavaskar on Pant's knock

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar and former English captain Nasser Hussain gave their reactions after Virat Kohli was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson in the second innings of the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-virat-kohlis-gesture-towards-bj-watling-wins-hearts-across-social-media-393435" hreflang="en">WTC Final- Virat Kohli's gesture towards BJ Watling wins hearts across social media</a>

Kohli and Pujara walked out to bat on the Day 6 of the ultimate Test, however, Team India suffered a quick blow as skipper Kohli found a thin edge off Kyle Jamieson's delivery and gave an easy catch to Kiwi wicketkeeper BJ Watling.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-they-know-him-sachin-tendulkar-talks-about-rahul-dravid-the-coach-393453" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'They know him': Sachin Tendulkar talks about Rahul Dravid, the coach</a>

After being dismissed for 13 runs, Hussain and Gavaskar reacted to his dismissal and said that the shot played by Virat brought back memories of India’s 2014 tour to England.

“Little bit more like 2014 and not the one of 2018. That was the sort of line that James Anderson troubled him with in 2014. He left those last time around when he played in England,” Hussain said on commentary.

Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar felt that the lack of Kohli's foot movement cost him the wicket.&nbsp;

“His backfoot didn’t move and he committed himself to the shot,” Gavaskar said.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar and former English captain Nasser Hussain gave their reactions after Virat Kohli was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson in the second innings of the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar and former English captain Nasser Hussain gave their reactions after Virat Kohli was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson in the second innings of the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl. ALSO READ: WTC Final- Virat Kohli's gesture towards BJ Watling wins hearts across social media Kohli and Pujara walked out to bat on the Day 6 of the ultimate Test, however, Team India suffered a quick blow as skipper Kohli found a thin edge off Kyle Jamieson's delivery and gave an easy catch to Kiwi wicketkeeper BJ Watling. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'They know him': Sachin Tendulkar talks about Rahul Dravid, the coach After being dismissed for 13 runs, Hussain and Gavaskar reacted to his dismissal and said that the shot played by Virat brought back memories of India’s 2014 tour to England. “Little bit more like 2014 and not the one of 2018. That was the sort of line that James Anderson troubled him with in 2014. He left those last time around when he played in England,” Hussain said on commentary. Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar felt that the lack of Kohli's foot movement cost him the wicket. “His backfoot didn’t move and he committed himself to the shot,” Gavaskar said.

'His backfoot didn’t move': Sunil Gavaskar and Nasser Hussain react to Kohli's dismissal in WTC Final

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that he would have picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Team India playing XI had the veteran seamer been selected for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, currently being played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.<o:p></o:p>

India went on to pick the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj in the 15-member squad for the WTC final. However, Gavaskar said that he would have picked Bhuvneshwar just for the WTC final despite concerns surrounding his fitness. <o:p></o:p>

“He (Bhuvneshwar) did play the IPL this time around and there wasn’t any injury concern. He did pull out of the September-October IPL but not this time. I would have included him just for this Test match because it is being played in June," Gavaskar said. <o:p></o:p>

Bhuvneshwar was trending on social media on Day 3 of the WTC final as the Indian pacers failed to make a strong mark with the ball. After bundling India out for 217, New Zealand batsmen looked at their best with the ball not offering much assistance for the Indians.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/used-to-always-get-angry-as-youngster-which-never-helped-my-cricket-reveals-jasprit-bumrah-393124" hreflang="en">Used to always get angry as youngster which never helped my cricket, reveals Jasprit Bumrah</a><o:p></o:p>

It was Ravichandran Ashwin who gave the first dismissal followed by Ishant getting rid of Devon Conway. <o:p></o:p>

However, Indian pacers came back roaring on Day 5 as Shami got the scalps Ross Taylor and BJ Watling whereas Ishant dismissed Henry Nicholls to put New Zealand at 135/5 at Lunch on Day 5.<o:p></o:p>

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that he would have picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Team India playing XI had the veteran seamer been selected for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, currently being played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that he would have picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Team India playing XI had the veteran seamer been selected for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, currently being played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. India went on to pick the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj in the 15-member squad for the WTC final. However, Gavaskar said that he would have picked Bhuvneshwar just for the WTC final despite concerns surrounding his fitness. “He (Bhuvneshwar) did play the IPL this time around and there wasn’t any injury concern. He did pull out of the September-October IPL but not this time. I would have included him just for this Test match because it is being played in June," Gavaskar said. Bhuvneshwar was trending on social media on Day 3 of the WTC final as the Indian pacers failed to make a strong mark with the ball. After bundling India out for 217, New Zealand batsmen looked at their best with the ball not offering much assistance for the Indians. ALSO READ: Used to always get angry as youngster which never helped my cricket, reveals Jasprit Bumrah It was Ravichandran Ashwin who gave the first dismissal followed by Ishant getting rid of Devon Conway. However, Indian pacers came back roaring on Day 5 as Shami got the scalps Ross Taylor and BJ Watling whereas Ishant dismissed Henry Nicholls to put New Zealand at 135/5 at Lunch on Day 5.

Cricket: Would have picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar for WTC Final, opines Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar trusts that the inaugural World Test Championship Final will end in a draw after the downpour played spoilsport by and by toward the beginning of Day 4. He believes India and New Zealand will share the trophy.&nbsp;

The first two sessions of Day 4 have&nbsp;effectively been cleaned out because of rain. Things are probably not going to improve, with the climate gauge foreseeing unending precipitation for the duration of the day.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-jamieson-stars-with-the-ball-as-new-zealand-dominate-392910" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final - Jamieson stars with the ball as New Zealand dominate</a>

Gavaskar, in Aaj Tak, said the WTC Final is probably going to end in a draw with only two days of cricketing activity left. He said:

“It looks like the World Test Championship Final will end in a draw and the trophy would be shared. It would be the first time that a trophy has been shared in the final. There are penalty shootouts in football or other criteria to decide a winner. In tennis, there are five sets and then a tiebreaker to get a winner. In Tests, we can only have a draw in such instances, and there is a high probability of a draw here as well.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-more-pressure-on-new-zealand-than-india-after-day-3-reckons-aakash-chopra-392925" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra</a>

Despite the fact that Day 4 hasn't been totally cleaned out, it is expected that it will end up in a washout. With a downpour proceeding to fall at Southampton, Sunil Gavaskar offered a hopeless climate update from Southampton.&nbsp;

“Everyone around here is saying that there is no chance of play today. It means only two days are left. To complete three innings in two days would be really difficult. Yes, if both teams bat really badly, the three innings could be completed.”

With three innings yet to be finished, a draw looks like the most probable outcome in Southampton. The rules mean the trophy will be shared by India and New Zealand in that occurrence, yet&nbsp;Sunil Gavaskar feels the ICC ought to have finalized criteria to decide a sole victor before the tournament got in progress.&nbsp;

“There should have been some way to decide a winner. In the 2019 World Cup, we saw the team that hit the most boundaries lift the trophy. Due to the pandemic, the table was decided based on percentage points rather than outright points. The goalpost kept shifting throughout the World Test Championship, which wasn’t fair for any team. They should have considered all things and developed criteria to decide a winner” - he signed off

Sunil Gavaskar trusts that the inaugural World Test Championship Final will end in a draw after the downpour played spoilsport by and by toward the beginning of Day 4.

Sunil Gavaskar trusts that the inaugural World Test Championship Final will end in a draw after the downpour played spoilsport by and by toward the beginning of Day 4. He believes India and New Zealand will share the trophy. The first two sessions of Day 4 have effectively been cleaned out because of rain. Things are probably not going to improve, with the climate gauge foreseeing unending precipitation for the duration of the day. ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final - Jamieson stars with the ball as New Zealand dominate Gavaskar, in Aaj Tak, said the WTC Final is probably going to end in a draw with only two days of cricketing activity left. He said: “It looks like the World Test Championship Final will end in a draw and the trophy would be shared. It would be the first time that a trophy has been shared in the final. There are penalty shootouts in football or other criteria to decide a winner. In tennis, there are five sets and then a tiebreaker to get a winner. In Tests, we can only have a draw in such instances, and there is a high probability of a draw here as well.” ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra Despite the fact that Day 4 hasn't been totally cleaned out, it is expected that it will end up in a washout. With a downpour proceeding to fall at Southampton, Sunil Gavaskar offered a hopeless climate update from Southampton. “Everyone around here is saying that there is no chance of play today. It means only two days are left. To complete three innings in two days would be really difficult. Yes, if both teams bat really badly, the three innings could be completed.” With three innings yet to be finished, a draw looks like the most probable outcome in Southampton. The rules mean the trophy will be shared by India and New Zealand in that occurrence, yet Sunil Gavaskar feels the ICC ought to have finalized criteria to decide a sole victor before the tournament got in progress. “There should have been some way to decide a winner. In the 2019 World Cup, we saw the team that hit the most boundaries lift the trophy. Due to the pandemic, the table was decided based on percentage points rather than outright points. The goalpost kept shifting throughout the World Test Championship, which wasn’t fair for any team. They should have considered all things and developed criteria to decide a winner” - he signed off

WTC Final: ICC should have developed a criteria to decide a winner, says Sunil Gavaskar

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was impressed with Shubman Gill's solid performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beauty-about-test-cricket-is-you-are-always-aspiring-to-be-perfect-says-ravichandran-ashwin-392695" hreflang="en">The beauty about Test cricket is you are always aspiring to be perfect, says Ravichandran Ashwin</a>

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first.&nbsp;

The duo put up 62 runs on the stand for the opening wicket before Sharma got dismissed on 34, whereas, Gill got dismissed on 28 by Jamieson and Wagner respectively.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match, was impressed with the young gun's temperament and said that he could become a great player.&nbsp;

"He has the temperament to become a great player," Gavaskar in the commentary box during Gill's innings, which comprised three fours.

According to Gavaskar, Gill will score multiple centuries for India. The young gun has scored three half-centuries in his short career.&nbsp;

"The first hundred is always the toughest one because that journey from scoring a half century to reaching three figures is not that easy," Gavaskar said. "Batsmen tend to feel settled somewhere around 70-80 run mark and start taking the bowlers on and lose their wicket in that way. He just needs to get his first hundred and then a lot more will follow."

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was impressed with Shubman Gill's solid performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was impressed with Shubman Gill's solid performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Rose Bowl in Southampton. ALSO READ: The beauty about Test cricket is you are always aspiring to be perfect, says Ravichandran Ashwin Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start to the Men in Blue after Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first. The duo put up 62 runs on the stand for the opening wicket before Sharma got dismissed on 34, whereas, Gill got dismissed on 28 by Jamieson and Wagner respectively. Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match, was impressed with the young gun's temperament and said that he could become a great player. "He has the temperament to become a great player," Gavaskar in the commentary box during Gill's innings, which comprised three fours. According to Gavaskar, Gill will score multiple centuries for India. The young gun has scored three half-centuries in his short career. "The first hundred is always the toughest one because that journey from scoring a half century to reaching three figures is not that easy," Gavaskar said. "Batsmen tend to feel settled somewhere around 70-80 run mark and start taking the bowlers on and lose their wicket in that way. He just needs to get his first hundred and then a lot more will follow."

Cricket: 'Has temperament to become great player': Gavaskar lauds Gill's knock

India's legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Team India should tweak their playing XI before heading into the World Test Championship final against New Zealand on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, Southampton.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-tom-latham-is-thankful-for-a-reserve-day-as-day-1-was-washed-out-392525" hreflang="en">WTC Final: Tom Latham is thankful for a reserve day as Day 1 was washed out</a>

Day 1 was abandoned without a toss due to heavy rainfall, however, the play will officially begin from Day 2. Just because the toss did not happen, the teams can tweak their playing XI before facing each other.&nbsp;

Team India announced their playing XI on the eve of the WTC final. The Men in Blue had decided to play three pacers, two spinners. However, Gavaskar feels that Team India need to have an extra batsman due to the weather conditions in Southampton.&nbsp;

"Yes, that's the thing. See, they might have announced the team yesterday, [but] nothing is finalized until the captains share the sheets with each other during the toss. So, you can change the team till the very last moment. As a captain, when I used to be confused between playing a spinner or an extra batsman, I used to see the opposition's eleven and scratch and change the team on my paper just before the toss. So, the eleven can be changed any time before the toss,” Sunil Gavaskar told Aaj Tak.

According to Gavaskar, Team India need to include Hanuma Vihari in their lineup.&nbsp;

"So I feel like maybe they'll think of playing another batsman because of the weather. Because these conditions are suitable for New Zealand fast bowlers so Rishabh Pant is at six, he might shift to seven and an extra batsman might play. Seeing this weather, one spinner might be dropped," Gavaskar said.

He even felt that decision to field first would be a wise choice looking at the overcast conditions at the Rose Bowl.&nbsp;

"Yes, that will be the thinking of both the captains. It has been raining since yesterday so the groundsmen haven't got the chance to trim the grass and roll the pitch. There will definitely be some grass then. That's why I feel that as both India and New Zealand have brilliant new-ball attacks, they'll want to safeguard their own batters and field first (if they win the toss). If they can pick up 3-4 wickets in the first hour, the match will be in their control," Gavaskar added.

India's legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Team India should tweak their playing XI before heading into the World Test Championship final against New Zealand on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, Southampton.

India's legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Team India should tweak their playing XI before heading into the World Test Championship final against New Zealand on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, Southampton. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Tom Latham is thankful for a reserve day as Day 1 was washed out Day 1 was abandoned without a toss due to heavy rainfall, however, the play will officially begin from Day 2. Just because the toss did not happen, the teams can tweak their playing XI before facing each other. Team India announced their playing XI on the eve of the WTC final. The Men in Blue had decided to play three pacers, two spinners. However, Gavaskar feels that Team India need to have an extra batsman due to the weather conditions in Southampton. "Yes, that's the thing. See, they might have announced the team yesterday, [but] nothing is finalized until the captains share the sheets with each other during the toss. So, you can change the team till the very last moment. As a captain, when I used to be confused between playing a spinner or an extra batsman, I used to see the opposition's eleven and scratch and change the team on my paper just before the toss. So, the eleven can be changed any time before the toss,” Sunil Gavaskar told Aaj Tak. According to Gavaskar, Team India need to include Hanuma Vihari in their lineup. "So I feel like maybe they'll think of playing another batsman because of the weather. Because these conditions are suitable for New Zealand fast bowlers so Rishabh Pant is at six, he might shift to seven and an extra batsman might play. Seeing this weather, one spinner might be dropped," Gavaskar said. He even felt that decision to field first would be a wise choice looking at the overcast conditions at the Rose Bowl. "Yes, that will be the thinking of both the captains. It has been raining since yesterday so the groundsmen haven't got the chance to trim the grass and roll the pitch. There will definitely be some grass then. That's why I feel that as both India and New Zealand have brilliant new-ball attacks, they'll want to safeguard their own batters and field first (if they win the toss). If they can pick up 3-4 wickets in the first hour, the match will be in their control," Gavaskar added.

'Might shift to seven and extra batsman in might play': Sunil Gavaskar suggests tweak in India's playing XI

Sunil Gavaskar trusts Team India may change their playing XI not long before the toss in the World Test Championship finale. Sunil Gavaskar, who is at present at Southampton for discourse obligations, said the severe climate there is helpful for pacers, which could provoke India to incorporate an expert batsman almost too late.&nbsp;

India declared their playing XI on Thursday evening, with a bowling mix of three seamers and two twist bowling all-rounders in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. New Zealand, then again, has conveyed a careful, pause-and-watch approach and will just uncover their group at the throw.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar thought that both of the Indian spinners may need to clear a path for a batsman while Rishabh Pant could be shunted by one spot in the batting order. In a conversation with AajTak, Sunil Gavaskar said:&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Yes, that's the thing. See, they might have announced the team yesterday, nothing is finalized until the captains share the sheets with each other during the toss. So, you can change the team till the very last moment. As a captain, when I used to be confused between playing a spinner or an extra batsman, I used to see the opposition's eleven and scratch and change the team on my paper just before the toss."

"So, the eleven can be changed anytime before the toss. So I feel like maybe they'll think of playing another batsman because of the weather. Because these conditions are suitable for New Zealand fast bowlers so Rishabh Pant is at six, he might shift to seven and an extra batsman might play. Seeing this weather, one spinner might be dropped" - he added.&nbsp;

The first 15-part crew incorporates Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj as stores. Hanuma Vihari would be the most probable alternative for an additional batsman, while Mohammed Siraj could be acquired if the team chooses to bargain it's anything but an extra seamer.&nbsp;

The main look on the pitch showed an even layer of grass. Sunil Gavaskar has uncovered that as opposed to assumptions, it hasn't been shaved off yet because of the deluge, and all things considered, the last pitch will have some grass on it. He added that this could mean the group winning the throw may handle first without a second thought.&nbsp;

"Yes, that will be the thinking of both the captains. It has been raining since yesterday so the groundsman hasn't got the chance to trim the grass and roll the pitch. There will definitely be some grass then. That's why I feel that as both India and New Zealand have brilliant new-ball attacks, they'll want to safeguard their own batters and field first if they win the toss. If they can pick up 3-4 wickets in the first hour, the match will be in their control" - he said.

The WTC final didn't get off to the best of starts as the first session was wiped out. The ground is doused and the conjecture for the remainder of the day is additionally hopeless. The reserve day, June 23, may prove to be useful if conditions improve in the coming days.

Sunil Gavaskar trusts Team India may change their playing XI not long before the toss in the World Test Championship finale. Sunil Gavaskar, who is at present at Southampton for discourse obligations, said the severe climate there is helpful for pacers, which could provoke India to incorporate an expert batsman almost too late.

Sunil Gavaskar trusts Team India may change their playing XI not long before the toss in the World Test Championship finale. Sunil Gavaskar, who is at present at Southampton for discourse obligations, said the severe climate there is helpful for pacers, which could provoke India to incorporate an expert batsman almost too late. India declared their playing XI on Thursday evening, with a bowling mix of three seamers and two twist bowling all-rounders in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. New Zealand, then again, has conveyed a careful, pause-and-watch approach and will just uncover their group at the throw. Sunil Gavaskar thought that both of the Indian spinners may need to clear a path for a batsman while Rishabh Pant could be shunted by one spot in the batting order. In a conversation with AajTak, Sunil Gavaskar said: "Yes, that's the thing. See, they might have announced the team yesterday, nothing is finalized until the captains share the sheets with each other during the toss. So, you can change the team till the very last moment. As a captain, when I used to be confused between playing a spinner or an extra batsman, I used to see the opposition's eleven and scratch and change the team on my paper just before the toss." "So, the eleven can be changed anytime before the toss. So I feel like maybe they'll think of playing another batsman because of the weather. Because these conditions are suitable for New Zealand fast bowlers so Rishabh Pant is at six, he might shift to seven and an extra batsman might play. Seeing this weather, one spinner might be dropped" - he added. The first 15-part crew incorporates Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj as stores. Hanuma Vihari would be the most probable alternative for an additional batsman, while Mohammed Siraj could be acquired if the team chooses to bargain it's anything but an extra seamer. The main look on the pitch showed an even layer of grass. Sunil Gavaskar has uncovered that as opposed to assumptions, it hasn't been shaved off yet because of the deluge, and all things considered, the last pitch will have some grass on it. He added that this could mean the group winning the throw may handle first without a second thought. "Yes, that will be the thinking of both the captains. It has been raining since yesterday so the groundsman hasn't got the chance to trim the grass and roll the pitch. There will definitely be some grass then. That's why I feel that as both India and New Zealand have brilliant new-ball attacks, they'll want to safeguard their own batters and field first if they win the toss. If they can pick up 3-4 wickets in the first hour, the match will be in their control" - he said. The WTC final didn't get off to the best of starts as the first session was wiped out. The ground is doused and the conjecture for the remainder of the day is additionally hopeless. The reserve day, June 23, may prove to be useful if conditions improve in the coming days.

WTC Final: Sunil Gavaskar thinks Team India might change the playing XI before the toss

Virat and Co. suffered a crushing defeat in the Test series at the hands of New Zealand that was played in 2020. New Zealand's pace attack proved to be too good for an Indian batsman in the series, therefore, the batting order will be very crucial for the Men in Blue in the juggernaut clash in Southampton.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sanjay-manjrekar-picks-his-india-playing-xi-for-wtc-final-leaves-out-jadeja-ishant-391880" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sanjay Manjrekar picks his India playing XI for WTC Final, leaves out Jadeja, Ishant</a>

However, Team India this time is going to face Kiwis with a much better batting lineup. Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that Rohit Sharma will play a crucial role in India's tour to England.&nbsp;

"In his case, it’s always the first two-three overs. Those are the overs where his front foot is not quite getting to the pitch of the ball. But a couple of overs down the road, once his front foot starts reaching the pitch of the ball, then he is very good," Gavaskar said on The Cricket Analyst podcast.

"Even in Australia, he didn’t score too many runs but the time he had to play their fast bowlers was amazing. These guys were bowling at 90 miles an hour but he actually made it look like 40 miles per hour. He had so much time to play."

"His thing is that all the time he is looking to attack. So sometimes, the shot selection is where he gets out. But if he gets that right, then he can get as many as three hundreds in this five-Test series," said Gavaskar.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, set to be played from June 18 to 22 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Virat Kohli will lead the Indian team for the WTC Final with Ajinkya Rahane being his deputy. The pace department have been completed by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav while both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin complete the spin duo.

The likes of Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar miss out on a spot due to tight competition. The duo rose to the occasion when India missed their star players in the historic tour of Australia.&nbsp;

Virat and Co. suffered a crushing defeat in the Test series at the hands of New Zealand that was played in 2020. New Zealand's pace attack proved to be too good for an Indian batsman in the series, therefore, the batting order will be very crucial for the Men in Blue in the juggernaut clash in Southampton.

Virat and Co. suffered a crushing defeat in the Test series at the hands of New Zealand that was played in 2020. New Zealand's pace attack proved to be too good for an Indian batsman in the series, therefore, the batting order will be very crucial for the Men in Blue in the juggernaut clash in Southampton. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sanjay Manjrekar picks his India playing XI for WTC Final, leaves out Jadeja, Ishant However, Team India this time is going to face Kiwis with a much better batting lineup. Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that Rohit Sharma will play a crucial role in India's tour to England. "In his case, it’s always the first two-three overs. Those are the overs where his front foot is not quite getting to the pitch of the ball. But a couple of overs down the road, once his front foot starts reaching the pitch of the ball, then he is very good," Gavaskar said on The Cricket Analyst podcast. "Even in Australia, he didn’t score too many runs but the time he had to play their fast bowlers was amazing. These guys were bowling at 90 miles an hour but he actually made it look like 40 miles per hour. He had so much time to play." "His thing is that all the time he is looking to attack. So sometimes, the shot selection is where he gets out. But if he gets that right, then he can get as many as three hundreds in this five-Test series," said Gavaskar. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, set to be played from June 18 to 22 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Virat Kohli will lead the Indian team for the WTC Final with Ajinkya Rahane being his deputy. The pace department have been completed by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav while both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin complete the spin duo. The likes of Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar miss out on a spot due to tight competition. The duo rose to the occasion when India missed their star players in the historic tour of Australia.

Cricket- 'He is looking to attack': Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma ahead of WTC finals

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that India should go with both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Southampton from June 18 to 22. <o:p></o:p>

Citing the weather conditions in Southampton, Gavaskar said that pitch will “definitely be dry” and assist spinners making Ashwin and Jadeja surety in India playing XI. <o:p></o:p>

“In Southampton, it’s been boiling hot over the last few days so the pitch will definitely be dry and help spin as the match progresses, so yes both Ashwin and Jadeja will play," Gavaskar told PTI in an interview.<o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar wants both Jadeja and Ashwin in the playing XI not just because of their bowling abilities but also for the batting depth the duo provides to the Indian team in the longest format of the game. <o:p></o:p>

“That (Ashwin and Jadeja together) also gives depth to the batting as well as give a fine balance to the bowling attack. For the series later (vs England) much will depend on the weather and pitch conditions."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-taylor-targets-final-redemption-in-icc-world-test-championship-391856" hreflang="en">Cricket: Taylor targets Final redemption in ICC World Test Championship</a><o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar is not bothered about India’s lack of practice ahead of the WTC final and England series as he said that the team has a good blend of youth and experience with players who have played in English conditions in the past. <o:p></o:p>

“(In) today’s tours there are barely one or two practice games before the Test series begins and the Indian team has had intra-squad matches so they have had that practice.<o:p></o:p>

“The team is a good blend of youth and experience and most of the players have been to England several times so they know the conditions and what to expect," said the former India captain.<o:p></o:p>

This will also be India’s chance to win their first ICC trophy under the leadership of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

<h2 class="MsoNormal">The squads:</h2>

India: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Md Siraj, Umesh Yadav.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that India should go with both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Southampton from June 18 to 22.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that India should go with both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Southampton from June 18 to 22. Citing the weather conditions in Southampton, Gavaskar said that pitch will “definitely be dry” and assist spinners making Ashwin and Jadeja surety in India playing XI. “In Southampton, it’s been boiling hot over the last few days so the pitch will definitely be dry and help spin as the match progresses, so yes both Ashwin and Jadeja will play," Gavaskar told PTI in an interview. Gavaskar wants both Jadeja and Ashwin in the playing XI not just because of their bowling abilities but also for the batting depth the duo provides to the Indian team in the longest format of the game. “That (Ashwin and Jadeja together) also gives depth to the batting as well as give a fine balance to the bowling attack. For the series later (vs England) much will depend on the weather and pitch conditions." ALSO READ: Cricket: Taylor targets Final redemption in ICC World Test Championship Gavaskar is not bothered about India’s lack of practice ahead of the WTC final and England series as he said that the team has a good blend of youth and experience with players who have played in English conditions in the past. “(In) today’s tours there are barely one or two practice games before the Test series begins and the Indian team has had intra-squad matches so they have had that practice. “The team is a good blend of youth and experience and most of the players have been to England several times so they know the conditions and what to expect," said the former India captain. This will also be India’s chance to win their first ICC trophy under the leadership of Virat Kohli. The squads: India: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Md Siraj, Umesh Yadav. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.

Cricket: 'Pitch will definitely spin' - Sunil Gavaskar wants both Ashwin and Jadeja in India playing XI for WTC Final

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar explained the reason why he never thought of getting into coaching. The Little Master became the first cricketer to cross 10,000 run-mark in the game of cricket, he retired from international cricket in 1987.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sri-lankan-players-refuse-to-sign-new-contracts-but-ready-to-feature-in-england-tour-389763" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sri Lankan players refuse to sign new contracts but ready to feature in England tour</a>

"I've been a terrible watcher of cricket, even when I was playing the game. If I got out, I would be watching the match very intermittently. I would watch for a while, then go inside the change room or read something or reply to letters etc. and then come out and watch again. So, I wasn't the ball-by-ball watcher, like say GR Vishwanath is. GRV or my uncle Madhav Mantri was a complete ball by ball watcher. And if you want to be a coach or a selector, you've got to be a ball-by-ball watcher. And therefore, I never even thought about it… being a coach," Gavaskar said on 'The Analyst' YouTube channel, in response to a query.

Gavaskar might not be up for coaching, however, he is always up for guiding players. Gavaskar said that he 'exchanged notes' with the likes of Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman.

"Having said that, I’ve had people coming up to me. Not the current lot, but say Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman. So I’ve been very happy to exchange notes with them… whatever my observations are. So yes, I’ve been able to maybe help them somewhere down the line, but on a full-time basis, that's not something I could do," said the former India captain.

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar explained the reason why he never thought of getting into coaching. The Little Master became the first cricketer to cross 10,000 run-mark in the game of cricket, he retired from international cricket in 1987.

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar explained the reason why he never thought of getting into coaching. The Little Master became the first cricketer to cross 10,000 run-mark in the game of cricket, he retired from international cricket in 1987. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sri Lankan players refuse to sign new contracts but ready to feature in England tour "I've been a terrible watcher of cricket, even when I was playing the game. If I got out, I would be watching the match very intermittently. I would watch for a while, then go inside the change room or read something or reply to letters etc. and then come out and watch again. So, I wasn't the ball-by-ball watcher, like say GR Vishwanath is. GRV or my uncle Madhav Mantri was a complete ball by ball watcher. And if you want to be a coach or a selector, you've got to be a ball-by-ball watcher. And therefore, I never even thought about it… being a coach," Gavaskar said on 'The Analyst' YouTube channel, in response to a query. Gavaskar might not be up for coaching, however, he is always up for guiding players. Gavaskar said that he 'exchanged notes' with the likes of Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman. "Having said that, I’ve had people coming up to me. Not the current lot, but say Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman. So I’ve been very happy to exchange notes with them… whatever my observations are. So yes, I’ve been able to maybe help them somewhere down the line, but on a full-time basis, that's not something I could do," said the former India captain.

'Terrible watcher of cricket': Sunil Gavaskar explains the reason behind not coaching Team India

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Team India under Virat Kohli's leadership and said that it is the best ever in the history of Indian history. Team India has ranked number one in Test cricket for five years in a row.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-have-to-be-careful-dilip-vengsarkars-piece-of-advice-to-virat-and-co-ahead-of-wtc-final-389643" hreflang="en">'You have to be careful': Dilip Vengsarkar's piece of advice to Virat and Co. ahead of WTC final</a>

"Comparisons are always a little bit difficult but I think this is probably the finest Indian team that we have seen. It's such a well-balanced team. It's got champion batsmen, it's got champion fast bowlers, fabulous spinners. They've got a very good wicketkeeper. A young wicketkeeper who is going to dominate world cricket for a long, long time," Gavaskar said on the Analyst Show in YouTube.

"I believe that from what I have seen, from 1960 onwards, this has got to be the best Indian team ever. For the simple reason that it's so balanced. There is no weakness at all. You could say at the top, or here and there, but I don't think there is any weakness in this Indian team," Gavaskar pointed out.

In recent years, Team India has produced several match-winners. The team has beaten the mighty Australians in their home conditions not once but twice. They have been a dominant force in Test cricket for some years now. Despite several obstacles, Virat and Co. managed to top the World Test Championship points table to book a berth in the finals, which will be played from June 18 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton against Kane Williamson's New Zealand.&nbsp;

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Team India under Virat Kohli's leadership and said that it is the best ever in the history of Indian history. Team India has ranked number one in Test cricket for five years in a row.

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Team India under Virat Kohli's leadership and said that it is the best ever in the history of Indian history. Team India has ranked number one in Test cricket for five years in a row. ALSO READ: 'You have to be careful': Dilip Vengsarkar's piece of advice to Virat and Co. ahead of WTC final "Comparisons are always a little bit difficult but I think this is probably the finest Indian team that we have seen. It's such a well-balanced team. It's got champion batsmen, it's got champion fast bowlers, fabulous spinners. They've got a very good wicketkeeper. A young wicketkeeper who is going to dominate world cricket for a long, long time," Gavaskar said on the Analyst Show in YouTube. "I believe that from what I have seen, from 1960 onwards, this has got to be the best Indian team ever. For the simple reason that it's so balanced. There is no weakness at all. You could say at the top, or here and there, but I don't think there is any weakness in this Indian team," Gavaskar pointed out. In recent years, Team India has produced several match-winners. The team has beaten the mighty Australians in their home conditions not once but twice. They have been a dominant force in Test cricket for some years now. Despite several obstacles, Virat and Co. managed to top the World Test Championship points table to book a berth in the finals, which will be played from June 18 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton against Kane Williamson's New Zealand.

Cricket- 'This has got to be best Indian team ever': Sunil Gavaskar lauds Virat and Co.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it won’t be surprising if England prepare green tracks for India in the upcoming five-Test series against India, scheduled to commence from August 4, after the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship final. <o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar, while recalling the criticism of Indian pitches when England visited India earlier in the year, said there was a lot of “moaning” about the tracks during the four-Test series, played in Chennai and Ahmedabad. <o:p></o:p>

"Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won't be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Telegraph.<o:p></o:p>

However, the legendary Indian cricketer added that grassy pitches will no longer bother Virat Kohli and Co due to the quality of pace bowlers in the set-up while further saying that India have the bowling attack to give “problems” to the hosts. <o:p></o:p>

“That is no longer a worry as India have an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too," Gavaskar added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bubble-life-taken-a-toll-on-me-mentally-andre-russell-389182" hreflang="en">Cricket: Bubble life 'taken a toll on me mentally' - Andre Russell</a><o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar further opined that the gap of 40 days between the WTC final and England Test series will allow India to prepare enough for the five-match rubber by playing some practice matches. <o:p></o:p>

"The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket. After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Test series starts against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them,” he wrote.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-test-championship-final-will-be-challenging-but-its-time-to-enjoy-virat-kohli-389017" hreflang="en">Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli</a><o:p></o:p>

The iconic former Indian opener went on to say that the chances are high that it will be an “Indian summer” hinting that the visitors can pull off a series win on English conditions.<o:p></o:p>

“It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England," he added.<o:p></o:p>

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it won’t be surprising if England prepare green tracks for India in the upcoming five-Test series against India, scheduled to commence from August 4, after the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship final.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it won’t be surprising if England prepare green tracks for India in the upcoming five-Test series against India, scheduled to commence from August 4, after the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship final. Gavaskar, while recalling the criticism of Indian pitches when England visited India earlier in the year, said there was a lot of “moaning” about the tracks during the four-Test series, played in Chennai and Ahmedabad. "Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won't be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Telegraph. However, the legendary Indian cricketer added that grassy pitches will no longer bother Virat Kohli and Co due to the quality of pace bowlers in the set-up while further saying that India have the bowling attack to give “problems” to the hosts. “That is no longer a worry as India have an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too," Gavaskar added. ALSO READ: Cricket: Bubble life 'taken a toll on me mentally' - Andre Russell Gavaskar further opined that the gap of 40 days between the WTC final and England Test series will allow India to prepare enough for the five-match rubber by playing some practice matches. "The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket. After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Test series starts against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them,” he wrote. ALSO READ: Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli The iconic former Indian opener went on to say that the chances are high that it will be an “Indian summer” hinting that the visitors can pull off a series win on English conditions. “It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England," he added.

Cricket: 'Won't be surprising if England prepare grassy pitches but expect 'Indian summer' - Sunil Gavaskar on India's tour of England

Former India captain and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar has named one batsman he would love to play like in modern cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket and its evolution has changed the way modern-day batters think about the game while finding unique shots to score runs. <o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar opined that he gets excited whenever he watches a T20 match as it brings quick results into the play while adding he jumps out of his chair whenever someone plays an unorthodox shot. <o:p></o:p>

“I know a lot of who played around my time, they’re not happy with the T20 format, but I actually love it. I love it for a simple reason that you know it’s a 3-hour game, and you get a result, and you get to see so much of action,” said Gavaskar on The Analyst Inside podcast.<o:p></o:p>

“When somebody plays the switch hit and the reverse sweep, I’m out of my chair because I think those are fabulous and incredible shots, and it takes a lot of skill to be able to hit them for sixes,” explained the 71-year-old.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-those-people-judging-you-sheldon-jackson-lashes-out-on-team-indias-selectors-388955" hreflang="en">'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors</a><o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar named former South Africa captain AB de Villiers as a batsman he would have loved to bat like and replicate the shots. The former Indian skipper lauded a few technicalities in de Villiers’ batting as he said he loves watching him bat.<o:p></o:p>

“AB de Villiers, bat like him, you know 360 degrees, play everything. I mean, just make it look as if you’re having a net. He makes it look so simple. He hits a fair distance, and he is very elegant as well. When he hits some of those shots, I love how his bat’s follow-through goes right over the shoulder. It’s not one of those punches; it’s like a proper shot. I love watching him bat,” Gavaskar added further.<o:p></o:p>

Former India captain and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar has named one batsman he would love to play like in modern cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket and its evolution has changed the way modern-day batters think about the game while finding unique shots to score runs.

Former India captain and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar has named one batsman he would love to play like in modern cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket and its evolution has changed the way modern-day batters think about the game while finding unique shots to score runs. Gavaskar opined that he gets excited whenever he watches a T20 match as it brings quick results into the play while adding he jumps out of his chair whenever someone plays an unorthodox shot. “I know a lot of who played around my time, they’re not happy with the T20 format, but I actually love it. I love it for a simple reason that you know it’s a 3-hour game, and you get a result, and you get to see so much of action,” said Gavaskar on The Analyst Inside podcast. “When somebody plays the switch hit and the reverse sweep, I’m out of my chair because I think those are fabulous and incredible shots, and it takes a lot of skill to be able to hit them for sixes,” explained the 71-year-old. ALSO READ: 'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors Gavaskar named former South Africa captain AB de Villiers as a batsman he would have loved to bat like and replicate the shots. The former Indian skipper lauded a few technicalities in de Villiers’ batting as he said he loves watching him bat. “AB de Villiers, bat like him, you know 360 degrees, play everything. I mean, just make it look as if you’re having a net. He makes it look so simple. He hits a fair distance, and he is very elegant as well. When he hits some of those shots, I love how his bat’s follow-through goes right over the shoulder. It’s not one of those punches; it’s like a proper shot. I love watching him bat,” Gavaskar added further.

Sunil Gavaskar names one batsman he would love to replicate in modern-day cricket

Sunil Gavaskar trusts England will dole out green seaming wickets for the forthcoming five-match Test arrangement against India beginning in August.

In the wake of 'moaning' about the wickets in India prior, Sunil Gavaskar said it wouldn't come as an astonishment on the off chance that we saw some grass on the wickets in England.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding, he accepts that shouldn't be a reason for stress as Team India has the bowling capability to endeavor such conditions. Gavaskar wrote in his column in The Telegraph: "Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won't be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface. That is no longer a worry as India have an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too".

Sunil Gavaskar added that the forthcoming summer of cricket would be a brilliant one for Indian cricket.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-still-one-of-top-bowlers-in-world-wasim-akram-on-mohammad-amir-388252" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'Still one of top bowlers in world': Wasim Akram on Mohammad Amir</a>

"The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket. After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Test series starts against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them. It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England" - he said.

While Gavaskar said India ought to be prepared for green tops, Joe Root, in a press interview after the series loss to India earlier&nbsp;this year, stated they would get really 'good wickets' when India visits England.&nbsp;

"We are going to prepare really good wickets when India tours England. If we want to develop as a team and compete everywhere we go in the world, we will have to get used to scoring big runs consistently. We have to get used to bowling on good surfaces and finding ways to take 20 wickets. I think that's how you build a good team," Root said after the 3-1 series loss to India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-people-love-rehashing-an-old-scandal-says-david-gowler-if-steve-smith-handed-captaincy-388225" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'People love rehashing an old scandal', says David Gowler if Steve Smith handed captaincy</a>

Before the five-match Test series against England, which begins on August 4, India will have more pressing issues to attend to as they take on New Zealand in the World Test Championship finale on June 18. 
&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar trusts England will dole out green seaming wickets for the forthcoming five-match Test arrangement against India beginning in August. In the wake of 'moaning' about the wickets in India prior, Sunil Gavaskar said it wouldn't come as an astonishment on the off chance that we saw some grass on the wickets in England.

Sunil Gavaskar trusts England will dole out green seaming wickets for the forthcoming five-match Test arrangement against India beginning in August. In the wake of 'moaning' about the wickets in India prior, Sunil Gavaskar said it wouldn't come as an astonishment on the off chance that we saw some grass on the wickets in England. Notwithstanding, he accepts that shouldn't be a reason for stress as Team India has the bowling capability to endeavor such conditions. Gavaskar wrote in his column in The Telegraph: "Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won't be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface. That is no longer a worry as India have an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too". Sunil Gavaskar added that the forthcoming summer of cricket would be a brilliant one for Indian cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'Still one of top bowlers in world': Wasim Akram on Mohammad Amir "The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket. After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Test series starts against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them. It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England" - he said. While Gavaskar said India ought to be prepared for green tops, Joe Root, in a press interview after the series loss to India earlier this year, stated they would get really 'good wickets' when India visits England. "We are going to prepare really good wickets when India tours England. If we want to develop as a team and compete everywhere we go in the world, we will have to get used to scoring big runs consistently. We have to get used to bowling on good surfaces and finding ways to take 20 wickets. I think that's how you build a good team," Root said after the 3-1 series loss to India. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'People love rehashing an old scandal', says David Gowler if Steve Smith handed captaincy Before the five-match Test series against England, which begins on August 4, India will have more pressing issues to attend to as they take on New Zealand in the World Test Championship finale on June 18.

'England tour promises to be golden summer of Indian cricket,' reckons Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar has expressed that the Chennai Super Kings' choice to promote Moeen Ali to No. 3 during IPL 2021 ended up being a masterstroke.&nbsp;

Batting up the order, the England all-rounder pounded 206 runs in six matches for Chennai Super Kings' at a strike rate of 157.25. He furnished the innings with some genuinely necessary stimulus with the bat, which the franchise appeared to be deficient with regards to last season.&nbsp;

Lauding Chennai Super Kings' choice to send Ali to bat higher in the order, Sunil Gavaskar wrote in his segment for Sportstar:

“The promotion of Moeen Ali to the top of the order at No. 3 turned out to be a masterstroke as the left-handed batsman produced some blistering innings” - he said.

“The seasoned Faf du Plessis was in cracking form, too, and, along with the promising Ruturaj Gaikwad, gave the team some top stars. Sam Curran continues to impress and improve with every game and bids fair to be considered a proper all-rounder now” - he observed.

“It’s the final overs’ bowling that the side needs to strengthen as was evident in the match against Mumbai when, despite scoring 218, it lost the game off the last ball” - he added.

In the wake of neglecting to meet all requirements for the IPL end of the season games interestingly last season, Chennai Super Kings' returned with a bang in IPL 2021.

They were second in the points table when the season had to be deferred inconclusively because of the ascent in COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble. CSK have&nbsp;won five of the seven matches they played in IPL 2021.

“All the other teams were in top form with last year’s disappointing team, Chennai Super Kings, looking like the champion it usually had been all these years. There was a renewed energy about the team this time, though there were no major changes to its squad” – he concluded. 
&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar has expressed that the Chennai Super Kings' choice to promote Moeen Ali to No. 3 during IPL 2021 ended up being a masterstroke. Batting up the order, the England all-rounder pounded 206 runs in six matches for Chennai Super Kings' at a strike rate of 157.

Sunil Gavaskar has expressed that the Chennai Super Kings' choice to promote Moeen Ali to No. 3 during IPL 2021 ended up being a masterstroke. Batting up the order, the England all-rounder pounded 206 runs in six matches for Chennai Super Kings' at a strike rate of 157.25. He furnished the innings with some genuinely necessary stimulus with the bat, which the franchise appeared to be deficient with regards to last season. Lauding Chennai Super Kings' choice to send Ali to bat higher in the order, Sunil Gavaskar wrote in his segment for Sportstar: “The promotion of Moeen Ali to the top of the order at No. 3 turned out to be a masterstroke as the left-handed batsman produced some blistering innings” - he said. “The seasoned Faf du Plessis was in cracking form, too, and, along with the promising Ruturaj Gaikwad, gave the team some top stars. Sam Curran continues to impress and improve with every game and bids fair to be considered a proper all-rounder now” - he observed. “It’s the final overs’ bowling that the side needs to strengthen as was evident in the match against Mumbai when, despite scoring 218, it lost the game off the last ball” - he added. In the wake of neglecting to meet all requirements for the IPL end of the season games interestingly last season, Chennai Super Kings' returned with a bang in IPL 2021. They were second in the points table when the season had to be deferred inconclusively because of the ascent in COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble. CSK have won five of the seven matches they played in IPL 2021. “All the other teams were in top form with last year’s disappointing team, Chennai Super Kings, looking like the champion it usually had been all these years. There was a renewed energy about the team this time, though there were no major changes to its squad” – he concluded.

'Promoting Moeen Ali at No.3 was a master stroke': Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar has believed that the pressing factor of developing assumptions following an effective Test debut in Australia might be burdening Shubman Gill.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/had-only-heard-about-it-abhimanyu-easwaran-on-training-with-virat-kohli-and-cheteshwar-pujara-383702" hreflang="en">'Had only heard about it': Abhimanyu Easwaran on training with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara</a>

Shubman Gill was among the numerous novices in the Indian group who stood out in the Test series in Australia. In three Tests, Shubman Gill amassed 291 runs at an average of 51.80 with two fifties. His best of 91 came in the memorable Test win at the Gabba.&nbsp; 
In any case, Shubman Gill battled for familiarity with the home series against England. The 21-year-old oversaw just 119 runs in four Tests at an average of 19.83 with a best of 50.&nbsp;

After a noteworthy Test debut in Australia, Shubman Gill tracked down the going extreme in the home series against England. He didn't look agreeable against the ball that wasn't going onto the bat. However, he was so acceptable Down Under that Team India are probably going to back him as Rohit Sharma's initial accomplice, regardless of Mayank Agarwal discovering some form in the IPL.

Translating Shubman Gill's battles, Sunil Gavaskar revealed to Star Sports that things have changed for the youngster after the accomplishment in Australia and he needs to adjust in like manner. As indicated by Sunil Gavaskar:

“I think what I feel about Shubman Gill is that suddenly, the pressure of expectation is getting to him. Before this, it was different. He was just a young promising newcomer, but now with the performances in Australia, the expectation is that he is going to score, and maybe that pressure of expectation is weighing him down."

"He just needs to relax. He is just a 21-year-old kid. There will be failures and he has to learn from those failures. He's just got to open and play freely, without worrying about expectations. The runs will come if he plays his natural game. Trying to play across the line and trying to score off every delivery because of the pressure of expectation, he's actually getting himself out."

After a helpless Test series against England, Shubman Gill's troubles with the bat proceeded in IPL 2021 also. Opening the innings for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he neglected to furnish the franchisee with the ideal fast beginnings at the top order. He played seven matches for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, yet just oversaw 132 runs at a hit pace of 117.85 with a best of 43. Last season, Shubman Gill figured out how to score up 440 runs in 14 games. Notwithstanding, he stayed under the scanner over his helpless strike rate of 117.96. 
&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar has believed that the pressing factor of developing assumptions following an effective Test debut in Australia might be burdening Shubman Gill. ALSO READ: 'Had only heard about it': Abhimanyu Easwaran on training with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara Shubman Gill was among the numerous novices in the Indian group who stood out in the Test series in Australia.

Sunil Gavaskar has believed that the pressing factor of developing assumptions following an effective Test debut in Australia might be burdening Shubman Gill. ALSO READ: 'Had only heard about it': Abhimanyu Easwaran on training with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara Shubman Gill was among the numerous novices in the Indian group who stood out in the Test series in Australia. In three Tests, Shubman Gill amassed 291 runs at an average of 51.80 with two fifties. His best of 91 came in the memorable Test win at the Gabba. In any case, Shubman Gill battled for familiarity with the home series against England. The 21-year-old oversaw just 119 runs in four Tests at an average of 19.83 with a best of 50. After a noteworthy Test debut in Australia, Shubman Gill tracked down the going extreme in the home series against England. He didn't look agreeable against the ball that wasn't going onto the bat. However, he was so acceptable Down Under that Team India are probably going to back him as Rohit Sharma's initial accomplice, regardless of Mayank Agarwal discovering some form in the IPL. Translating Shubman Gill's battles, Sunil Gavaskar revealed to Star Sports that things have changed for the youngster after the accomplishment in Australia and he needs to adjust in like manner. As indicated by Sunil Gavaskar: “I think what I feel about Shubman Gill is that suddenly, the pressure of expectation is getting to him. Before this, it was different. He was just a young promising newcomer, but now with the performances in Australia, the expectation is that he is going to score, and maybe that pressure of expectation is weighing him down." "He just needs to relax. He is just a 21-year-old kid. There will be failures and he has to learn from those failures. He's just got to open and play freely, without worrying about expectations. The runs will come if he plays his natural game. Trying to play across the line and trying to score off every delivery because of the pressure of expectation, he's actually getting himself out." After a helpless Test series against England, Shubman Gill's troubles with the bat proceeded in IPL 2021 also. Opening the innings for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he neglected to furnish the franchisee with the ideal fast beginnings at the top order. He played seven matches for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, yet just oversaw 132 runs at a hit pace of 117.85 with a best of 43. Last season, Shubman Gill figured out how to score up 440 runs in 14 games. Notwithstanding, he stayed under the scanner over his helpless strike rate of 117.96.

'The pressure of expectation is weighing him down' - Sunil Gavaskar on Shubman Gill's batting despondency

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded RCB star AB de Villiers' vital innings that helped Virat and Co. set a good total in the match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. Gavaskar called the Proteas &nbsp;‘amazing’ and ‘magical’.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-watch-virat-kohli-and-mohammed-sirajs-gesture-for-rishabh-pant-and-shimron-hetmyer-wins-hearts-381029" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- WATCH: Kohli and Siraj's gesture for Pant and Hetmyer wins hearts</a>

“It’s amazing. It’s just magical. You can walk around the earth, just to see this man bat because he brings in so much. He gives you so much joy, he makes your jaw drop with the kind of audacity with which he plays some shots,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports after RCB reclaimed the top spot in IPL 2021 points table.

RCB star ABD became the sixth to join the elite list of batsmen with 5,000 runs in the league. He is the only one at a strike rate of more than 150. His power-hitting helped RCB post 171 for 5. They went on to win the match one run after DC managed to score 170 runs.&nbsp;

“When you see a genius like that, you want to go and just watch him carry on. You want to say to the opposition – ‘Listen, why don’t you send him to open the batting because we can get to see more of him rather than him coming in the 10th or the 11th over. Let’s see 20 overs of ABD’, that’s what I, as a former batsman, always say when I see AB de Villiers in this kind of form,” he said.

De Villiers smashed five sixes and three fours. Gavaskar talked about the big hits by the South African. “We talk about the big sixes. There was one shot where he just opened the face of the bat and ramped the ball down to the third man. That was an incredible shot because it was hit literally at the last second when he opened the face of the bat,” he added.&nbsp;

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded RCB star AB de Villiers' vital innings that helped Virat and Co. set a good total in the match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded RCB star AB de Villiers' vital innings that helped Virat and Co. set a good total in the match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. Gavaskar called the Proteas ‘amazing’ and ‘magical’. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- WATCH: Kohli and Siraj's gesture for Pant and Hetmyer wins hearts “It’s amazing. It’s just magical. You can walk around the earth, just to see this man bat because he brings in so much. He gives you so much joy, he makes your jaw drop with the kind of audacity with which he plays some shots,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports after RCB reclaimed the top spot in IPL 2021 points table. RCB star ABD became the sixth to join the elite list of batsmen with 5,000 runs in the league. He is the only one at a strike rate of more than 150. His power-hitting helped RCB post 171 for 5. They went on to win the match one run after DC managed to score 170 runs. “When you see a genius like that, you want to go and just watch him carry on. You want to say to the opposition – ‘Listen, why don’t you send him to open the batting because we can get to see more of him rather than him coming in the 10th or the 11th over. Let’s see 20 overs of ABD’, that’s what I, as a former batsman, always say when I see AB de Villiers in this kind of form,” he said. De Villiers smashed five sixes and three fours. Gavaskar talked about the big hits by the South African. “We talk about the big sixes. There was one shot where he just opened the face of the bat and ramped the ball down to the third man. That was an incredible shot because it was hit literally at the last second when he opened the face of the bat,” he added.

IPL 2021- 'When you see a genius like that, you want to go': Sunil Gavaskar on AB de Villiers

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021.

KKR enlisted their second win of the season against the Punjab Kings. However, they endured early blows, with Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana scoring 9 and 0, respectively.

Shubman Gill, specifically, has watched out of the structure, scoring only 89 runs in six games in IPL 2021. Sunil Gavaskar said in such a manner that KKR should hope to change their opening stand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkrs-pat-cummins-donates-50000-to-pm-cares-fund-for-oxygen-supplies-urges-ipl-players-to-contribute-380530" hreflang="en">KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute</a>

"I think KKR have to make up their minds whether Sunil Narine opens the batting with Shubman Gill or Rahul Tripathi opens the batting. With Shubman Gill also – struggling and not quite there; maybe there is a case for Tripathi to open with Sunil Narine," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

He also highlighted Nitish Rana has been successful at the no.3 spot in the past.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-ashwin-withdraws-from-ipl-to-support-family-in-covid-fight-380524" hreflang="en">Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight</a>

"Nitish Rana, in the years that he has been very successful for KKR, he has been batting at No.3. So, if Rahul Tripathi can open the batting, which he used to do earlier on for the other franchises, maybe that’s the way to go for Rana," Sunil Gavaskar added.

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021.

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021. KKR enlisted their second win of the season against the Punjab Kings. However, they endured early blows, with Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana scoring 9 and 0, respectively. Shubman Gill, specifically, has watched out of the structure, scoring only 89 runs in six games in IPL 2021. Sunil Gavaskar said in such a manner that KKR should hope to change their opening stand. ALSO READ: KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute "I think KKR have to make up their minds whether Sunil Narine opens the batting with Shubman Gill or Rahul Tripathi opens the batting. With Shubman Gill also – struggling and not quite there; maybe there is a case for Tripathi to open with Sunil Narine," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports. He also highlighted Nitish Rana has been successful at the no.3 spot in the past. ALSO READ: Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight "Nitish Rana, in the years that he has been very successful for KKR, he has been batting at No.3. So, if Rahul Tripathi can open the batting, which he used to do earlier on for the other franchises, maybe that’s the way to go for Rana," Sunil Gavaskar added.

'Shubman Gill is struggling': Sunil Gavaskar comes up with bold suggestion for KKR

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