The former Indian Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar recently pointed out that India’s batters seem to have lost the patience that once defined their Test approach.
He noted that their increasingly aggressive style – more suited to shorter formats is affecting India’s performance in the longer format.
Gavaskar explained that India’s batters are now quick to try big shots when they face a few dot balls, a risky approach that might work in limited-overs cricket but can lead to failure in Tests.
Gavaskar told Sportstar, “The real issue is the mindset. The short boundaries and big bats make batters feel they can change momentum with a big shot after a few dot balls. It may work with the white ball, but with the red ball, it’s flirting with danger, especially when a player has just come in.”
The former captain shared his concern over this shift in mindset, saying it’s affected Test performance and led to sidelining players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
Both Pujara and Rahane were known for handling pressure and patiently wearing down bowling attacks. Gavaskar believes their exclusion reflects a bigger trend in modern cricket.
He explained “Test cricket requires patience, especially on pitches that help bowlers, but not many modern batters have it. There’s this thinking now to play fast no matter what, without considering tiring out the bowlers or waiting for better conditions. That’s why Pujaras and Rahanes don’t fit into the team’s plans.”
He concluded “Pujara wore down the Australian attack as did Rahane, allowing stroke-makers to take advantage of a tired attack. But that kind of thinking isn’t there now. Instead, it’s about big hitting, like England does, which leads to losses overseas.”
Pujara and Rahane were key to India’s Test success for years. However Gavaskar believes this focus on speed and aggression led to their removal from the team. He stressed that it’s not just about individual dismissals but a bigger issue of failing to adapt to Test cricket’s unique demands.
