Former Indian cricket captain and batting legend, Sunil Gavaskar, has expressed concerns over the upcoming challenge faced by Team India as they transition from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the longer format of Test cricket. Gavaskar discussed the team's adaptation to Test cricket ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against top-ranked Australia, scheduled to take place at The Oval in London from June 7.
In an interview with Star Sports' 'Follow the Blues,' Gavaskar emphasized that the shift from T20 cricket to Test cricket would be the most significant test for the Indian players. With most players primarily accustomed to the shorter format, Gavaskar pointed out that Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been participating in the English County Championship, is the only player with experience in the longer format in English conditions.
Gavaskar also discussed the opportunity for Ajinkya Rahane to prove himself in the World Test Championship, following his impressive performance in the IPL 2023. Expressing confidence in Rahane's abilities and his past success in England, Gavaskar highlighted the importance of his contributions at the number 5 position and his potential to regain his place in the Indian team.
Highlighting the challenge faced by Team India, Gavaskar stated, "The biggest test will be the fact that just about everybody will be coming out of a T20 format, and Test cricket is a longer format. So, I think that's going to be the big challenge. They have only Cheteshwar Pujara who has been playing in the English County Championship, so he will be the only guy who has played the longer format in these conditions, so that's going to be the big challenge for them," as quoted by Star Sports.
Regarding Ajinkya Rahane's role in the World Test Championship, Gavaskar said, "He's got a lot of experience having played in England, having scored runs in England. So, yes, I think he is going to be crucial down at number 5. And yes, I do believe he has a point to prove, I still feel he has got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him. I'm hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team," during the 'Follow the Blues' program.