Legendary India opener Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to lower the squad number for the forthcoming Test series against England in June.
Gavaskar raised concern about India's huge contingent on their recent tour of Australia, which comprised 19 players, including reserves. Gavaskar accepted the need for a larger group in Australia owing to logistical constraints but stressed that the England tour necessitated a more efficient approach.
While he suggested adding more bowlers for practice, Gavaskar was adamant about not handing them the India cap unless absolutely essential.
"Carrying more than 16 players will indicate the selectors are unsure, and that's never a good sign. Just because the BCCI can afford to send a large party doesn't mean the India cap should be given just like that.
The usual problem overseas is a lack of practice bowlers, so by all means take a few bowlers over, and they can be given the training and clothing, but not the India cap," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.
Gavaskar also emphasized the importance of practice matches, advising the Indian team to plan as many as possible during the England series. Gavaskar asked for a change of strategy after India's recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which they played intra-squad games and a solitary tour match.
"There will be some gaps between the Test matches, and these need to be utilized for practice games. Travel in England is by road almost every time, and the Indian team will drive down to the next Test venue on the last evening of the previous Test match. Since there won't be a travel day involved, giving the next day off after the Test is understandable, but the next couple should be used for practice," he explained.
The batting great also suggested eliminating optional practice sessions,and advocating for the coach and captain to determine the team's schedule.
"This recent tradition of optional practice should be done away with, and only the coach and captain should decide who gets days off from practice, and this should not be left to the individual player to decide," he said.
Concluding his remarks, Gavaskar expressed optimism about India's depth and the opportunity for a refreshed squad to make a strong statement in England.
"Indian cricket has depth, or so we are told, and hopefully, that will be seen in England, where a new India can show they are ready to take on the world," he said.
India will play 5 Tests in England, kicking off their WTC cycle of 2025-2027.
(Sportstar inputs)
