“Biggest test for India will be to adapt from T20 format to Test cricket” – Sunil Gavaskar ahead of WTC final

Sunil Gavaskar also talked about importance of Ajinkya Rahane in Indian team.

India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has emphasized that the biggest issue for the Indian team in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (ICC WTC 2023) final will be to adapt to Test cricket after the majority of its players are coming off playing T20 cricket in the IPL 2023.

India and Australia will clash in the final of the ICC WTC 2023 Final at the Oval in London from June 7-11 for the prize of the ICC Test mace and crown of Test world champions.

The toughest challenge for the players would be making the switch from T20 to Test cricket, according to Gavaskar.

Gavaskar pointed out that as the majority of players are used to the shorter format, only Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been participating in the English County Championship, has experience playing in the longer format under English conditions.

"The biggest test will be the fact that just about everybody will be coming out of a T20 format, and test cricket is a longer format. So, I think that's going to be the big challenge. They have only Cheteshwar Pujara who has been playing in the English County Championship, so he will be the only guy who has played the longer format in these conditions, so that's going to be the big challenge for them," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Players need to quickly adapt to new surroundings and the English conditions, he has stressed.

I think he is going to be crucial down at number five: Sunil Gavaskar on Ajinkya Rahane

Sunil Gavaskar, a former captain of India, also discussed Ajinkya Rahane's potential participation in the World Test Championship following his outstanding IPL 2023 performance.

Gavaskar said "He's got a lot of experience having played in England, having scored runs in England. So, yes, I think he is going to be crucial down at number five. And yes, I do believe he has a point to prove, I still feel he has got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him. I'm hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team."

India has begun its preparations for the WTC final already with the remainder of the member also joining the squad.