Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar acknowledges that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently experiencing a rough patch, but he cautions against overanalyzing the situation. Both players had disappointing performances as India suffered a 0-3 series defeat to New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday. While chasing 147 on Day 3, Rohit and Virat were dismissed early, leading to the hosts being bowled out for just 121. Gavaskar noted that the pair has faced a lack of luck throughout the three-match Test series against New Zealand, exacerbating their struggles.
"Even the best of players go through bad patches. These weren't easy pitches to bat on in all three matches. Except, perhaps, the second innings in Bengaluru. Sometimes you need a bit of luck… like you make the first mistake and the ball goes only near the stump. Somebody drops a catch, a close LBW goes in your favor. All these things can happen. But when going through a bad patch, everything goes against you. Somebody takes a brilliant catch, you get a great delivery. I won't read too much into it," Gavaskar told the Indian Express.
Gavaskar also expressed that the leading Indian batsmen should have participated in the Duleep Trophy before the New Zealand series, emphasizing the importance of match practice for Team India.
"They should have had some practice, definitely. It's a long gap. I know we beat Bangladesh and therefore it looked as if it's going to be a cakewalk against New Zealand.
"But New Zealand obviously had the better attack. And players who play in India, in the IPL, have a sense of what Indian pitches do. Almost half the New Zealand side played here during various stages of the IPL. So, they have an idea of what the pitches do," he affrimed.
India's Test players now have a few days off before beginning their preparations for the tour of Australia.
(Source: NDTV)
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