Learn from Australia Tour Mistakes, Send Full Squad at Once: Gavaskar

Following India’s 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Australia's first series victory in over a decade, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has once again made critical remarks about the management of Team India. Speaking about the upcoming series against England, Gavaskar suggested that the team should be sent as a unified group rather than in batches, emphasizing the need to avoid past mistakes made during the Australia tour.

Gavaskar pointed out that Team India's approach during the Australian tour—where players traveled in separate batches—created an uncoordinated environment. “Without a captain, vice-captain, or coach present when batches travel separately, what message are we sending to the opposition team?” Gavaskar questioned. He highlighted that six months remain before the England series, leaving ample time for the management to plan and send the entire team together.

The former cricketer also expressed hope that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take stringent actions following the recent loss. "We cannot let the opposition team feel that the Indian cap is handed out lightly," he said. Gavaskar advised that while it is acceptable to train and provide jerseys to some players, the prestigious Indian cap should only be given to those who earn it through performance.

Gavaskar had previously voiced strong dissatisfaction after the second Test against Australia, where the Indian squad had arrived in two separate phases. Captain Rohit Sharma was unable to join the team in Perth for the opening match due to personal reasons, a situation that further compounded India's difficulties during the tour.

Drawing attention to this episode, Gavaskar reiterated the importance of unity and collective preparation. “We must learn from the mistakes made in Australia and ensure that the team travels as a cohesive unit,” he said.