‘Play as late as possible’: Gavaskar’s advice to India batters for NZ Tests

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most respected former Test batsmen, shared his thoughts with the media on how Indian batters should prepare for the upcoming series against New Zealand. He highlighted the importance of patience, urging players to focus on leaving balls outside the off‑stump and waiting for the right moments to attack. Gavaskar also suggested that batsmen should aim to play as late as possible in their innings, allowing them to assess pitch conditions and the opposition’s bowling plans before taking decisive strokes.

The advice arrives at a time when the Indian team is seeking consistency in overseas conditions, where New Zealand’s seamers are known for exploiting swing and seam movement. For Indian cricket fans, the guidance is significant because a strong performance in the series could influence the team’s ranking and its chances of qualifying for major tournaments. Moreover, success abroad often translates into greater confidence for players when they return to home soil, impacting domestic competitions and the broader talent pipeline.

Coaches and senior players are expected to incorporate Gavaskar’s recommendations into the team’s training sessions, focusing on scenario‑based drills that simulate New Zealand’s bowling attacks. Observers will be watching the first Test closely to see whether the batting unit adopts a more measured approach and how that affects the match outcome. The series will also serve as a benchmark for evaluating the readiness of younger batsmen who are being groomed for future leadership roles.