Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar talked about the significance of preparatory matches ahead of overseas tours following India’s crushing loss in the 1st Test against South Africa at Centurion on Thursday.
Talking on a Star Sports’ show, Gavaskar opined that playing against local domestic teams provides more match practice than an intra-squad match.
“When you play against the local domestic teams, the players there would be motivated to impress their selectors and will play with their full strength which can provide a good preparation”, Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
The former Indian skipper further added that there is no point of playing an intra-squad match as the bowlers will not give their 100% to avoid fatigue or injuries.
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“No point of playing intra-squad match. It is better to stay at home and then come to play rather then playing an intra-squad match because fast bowlers will not give their 100% to avoid injuries”, Gavaskar added.
Notably, Team India suffered an innings and 32-run defeat on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. Indian batters crumbled inside one and a half session and were bundled out for 131 in reply to South Africa’s 408. Virat Kohli was the lone fighter for the Men in Blue with a brilliant 76.
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