India’s tour of Australia is still months away, but the mind games have already begun. While predictions about the upcoming series are flying around, Sunil Gavaskar believes that India needs to up their game in countering the psychological warfare.

The Australian Mind Games

Former and current Australian players are already voicing their predictions, suggesting Australia will win the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Although they haven’t gone as far as making a clean sweep statement like Glenn McGrath, the message is clear – they are aiming for victory. This psychological strategy, a hallmark of the Australians, is already impacting the Indian cricket fraternity.

Gavaskar’s Concern: A Lack of Response

While Gavaskar acknowledges the Australian tactics, he expresses concern that India’s response has been weak. He points out that, apart from Ravi Shastri, no other former or current Indian player has effectively countered the Australian mind games.

A Need for Counterpunches

Gavaskar believes that a proactive approach is necessary to neutralize the psychological pressure. He suggests that India needs to deploy counter-tactics to maintain their mental edge. This includes countering the Australian narratives with strong responses, creating their own narratives, and focusing on building team confidence.

Ashwin’s ‘Special Delivery’

As a strategic tactic, Gavaskar recommends that Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s star spinner, should publicly talk about a special delivery he’s developing to outwit Steve Smith.

The Psychological Impact

This tactic, although seemingly a mere statement, carries immense psychological power. By mentioning a specific plan, Ashwin will instill uncertainty in the minds of Australian players, especially Smith, who is known to be vulnerable against spin. The focus on a particular bowler and batsman amplifies the mental aspect of the game, potentially creating anxiety and doubts.

Preparing for the Mental Battle

Gavaskar further emphasizes the importance of preparing for the mental battle, urging the Indian team to focus on their mental game as they prepare for the tour.

Importance of Internal Preparation

He stresses that the five Test matches India plays at home before heading to Australia will provide a crucial platform for the mental preparation needed to tackle the tough tour. By focusing on mental strategies, analyzing previous performances, and working on psychological resilience, India can be mentally prepared for the challenging battles ahead.

Take Away Points:

• Australia’s psychological strategy is already in motion, aimed at gaining a mental edge.
• India needs to effectively counter these strategies by being proactive in their own narratives and tactics.
• Gavaskar emphasizes the importance of focusing on mental preparation in the lead-up to the tour.
• Ashwin’s “special delivery” statement can serve as a psychological tool to create uncertainty and doubt in the minds of Australian players.
• The mental aspect of the game is crucial to achieving victory, requiring a strategic approach and focus.