Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Indian team players not to forget the ODI series debacle against Australia while they bathe in the glitter of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 15th edition of the IPL begins on March 31.
India lost the third and final ODI by 21 runs in Chennai on Wednesday to concede the series 1-2 to Australia. India’s batting was not up to the mark in the series. Gavaskar has reminded Rohit Sharma and his men that they could be up against the same opponents in the ODI World Cup, which is to be held in India in October-November this year.
“Of course, now the IPL starts... This (series defeat) shouldn’t be forgotten. India sometimes makes the mistake of forgetting (such defeats), but this one shouldn’t be (forgotten) because, in the World Cup, we may face Australia again,” the former India captain told Star Sports.
Talking about the loss in Chennai, where India failed to chase down a target of 270 despite being in a good position, Gavaskar said: “It was (due to) the pressure created (by Australians). The boundaries had dried up and they (Indian batters) weren’t even getting singles. When that happens, you try and play something that you are not used to. That is something they will have to look at.”
India were all out for 248 in 49.1 overs, with only two substantial partnerships — 69 runs for the third wicket between Virat Kohli (54) and KL Rahul (32) and 65 between openers Rohit Sharma (30) and Shubman Gill (37).
“When you are chasing a score of 270 or nearly 300, you need a partnership of about 90 or 100 and that will take you close. But that didn’t happen,” Gavaskar explained.
“Yes, there were a couple of partnerships, one between Rahul and Kohli, but then you wanted another similar or bigger stand. Fielding from Australia was outstanding.”
Written with inputs from PTI
