In the midst of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has offered strategic counsel to the struggling Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), suggesting they should focus on chasing targets to leverage their batting strengths and enhance their win probability. Currently, RCB finds themselves in a precarious eighth position on the points table, having garnered just two points from their initial four outings. As they prepare to face the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, Gavaskar's insights could prove crucial for the team looking to turn their campaign around.
Speaking on the cricket talk show "Midwicket Stories," alongside England's cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott and former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull, Gavaskar highlighted RCB's batting prowess as their key asset. "Of course, the toss is not in your control. But at all possible opportunities, they should chase targets as batting is their strong point. I think that will give them a better chance at winning matches," Gavaskar observed. This commentary comes in the wake of RCB's bowling unit struggling to defend scores in the games they've batted first this season.
In their chasing endeavours so far, RCB have recorded a mixed bag of results—securing a victory against Punjab Kings but facing a setback against Lucknow Super Giants. These outcomes further validate Gavaskar's recommendation for the team to chase, wherever feasible, to capitalize on their batting dominance.
Moreover, Gavaskar reflected on the broader impact of T20 cricket on the game, emphasizing its entertainment value and the aggressive approach adopted by modern cricketers. "Modern cricket is hard but entertaining. These days not many balls are being left and a lot more shots are being played – switch-hits, reverse scoops etc. The concept of taking the shine off balls is not followed as it was the norm in our times," he shared, underlining the transformative effect of the shortest format on cricket's playing style.
Addressing concerns about the future of Test cricket amid the T20 frenzy, Gavaskar expressed optimism for the format's endurance. He envisioned a future where prominent cricketing nations would continue engaging in five-match series, while others might adapt to playing three-match series. "Test cricket is not dying, it will survive. Perhaps, three or four nations will play five-match series against each other while the rest will play the three-match series. I think that is going to be the way forward for that format," Gavaskar asserted, dispelling fears of Test cricket's demise.
Mayank Yadav Exclusive: LSG's pace prodigy speaks to Vikram Chandra on his meteoric rise in IPL 2024