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Xtra Time Web Desk: Sunil Gavaskar advised team Team India to play a warm-up game ahead of the five-match Test series against Australia. Although India were scheduled to play an intra-squad warm-up fixture with India A which have called off still Gavaskar requested to reconsider warm-ups.

He requested to reconsider keeping the preparation of youngsters in priority who’ve never played in Australia such as Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal. They will be playing their first Test in Australia and hence could take some time to get used to the pace and bounce. For them understanding the condition will be the first challenge and Gavaskar believes warm-up games may help them. He also advised India to practice as much as they can and focus on playing regular bowling instead of throw downs.

Gavaskar said while talking to Indian Express, "I really do believe that they should have a warm-up game. In the gaps between Test matches, they really should have warm-up games. Not necessarily for the senior players. But for the junior players who have never played in Australia before. For the Yashasvi Jaiswals, the Sarfaraz Khans, the Dhruv Jurels, all these young batters. Even against an Australia A team or a state side like Queensland. Juniors must be given the opportunity to get used to the bounce and pitches in Australia." 

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He further added, "Just believe in yourself. Practice as much as you can. I think there is some merit in facing throwdowns. But it is more important to play regular bowling. Face the quicker bowlers. Not (Jasprit) Bumrah, of course, because Bumrah can kill you. But you can ask others to bowl from 20 yards instead of 22 yards. So therefore, the ball comes on to the bat quickly."

India's aspirations for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final are facing steep challenges. Following a disappointing series loss to New Zealand at home, the team’s standing has become vulnerable. Currently second in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 58.33%, India now needs to secure victories in four of their remaining five matches to ensure qualification without depending on other results.

With the Australia series approaching, India faces a daunting task. Securing a win against a strong Australian side is essential for reaching a third consecutive WTC final—a goal that appears increasingly challenging.

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In his remarks on preparation, a former Indian cricketer emphasized the value of intense practice, especially facing quicker deliveries. "Just believe in yourself," he advised, highlighting the importance of facing faster bowlers in training, although humorously excluding Jasprit Bumrah, known for his lethal pace, adding, "Bumrah can kill you."

India’s road ahead is tough, with each match now critical for WTC qualification.