India’s tour of Australia is always a keenly contested affair, and the 2023 series promises to be no different. With both teams boasting world-class players and a history of fierce rivalry, the build-up to the series has already begun, with the ‘mind games’ in full swing. While both teams are confident of victory, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that India’s response to Australia’s mind games hasn’t been proportionate, urging them to be more vocal and aggressive.

Gavaskar’s Concerns about India’s Response

Gavaskar highlights a lack of strong responses from Indian players and former players to Australia’s statements, drawing parallels to Glenn McGrath’s notorious declaration of a clean sweep in the 2001 series. He observes that while Australia isn’t making such bold pronouncements this time, they are still subtly suggesting a series win.

The Importance of Vocal Counterattacks

According to Gavaskar, the Indian team should counter Australia’s mind games head-on, reminding them of India’s recent success in Australia. This involves a proactive approach, actively engaging in verbal sparring to maintain a competitive edge.

The Need for a Strong Psychological Warfare Strategy

Gavaskar emphasizes the importance of strong mental preparation and psychological warfare in high-stakes series like the upcoming one. He argues that India must be prepared to match Australia’s aggressive approach with their own strategies, employing psychological warfare as a means to gain an edge.

Importance of Five Home Tests for Mental Tuning

Gavaskar believes that the five home Tests India will play before the Australian tour are crucial for developing the necessary mental focus and resilience required to face the demanding conditions in Australia. He believes these matches will act as a preparation ground for the mental challenges that await the Indian team on Australian soil.

Ashwin’s ‘Special Delivery’

In a playful yet significant suggestion, Gavaskar encourages Ravichandran Ashwin to start building hype around a special delivery designed to trouble Steve Smith, who has consistently proven to be one of the toughest batsmen for Indian bowlers.

A Tactical Advantage

This tactic would not only be a way to disrupt Smith’s rhythm but also potentially instill psychological pressure, making him more susceptible to Ashwin’s deliveries. It would also show Australian players that the Indian team is coming up with strategic plans to tackle their best players.

Gavaskar’s Message

Gavaskar’s message is clear: India needs to up their game in terms of verbal exchanges and mental preparedness for the upcoming series. He believes that the upcoming series will be a battle of minds as much as it will be a battle on the field.

Take Away Points

• Gavaskar believes India’s response to Australia’s mind games has been inadequate, suggesting the need for a more assertive approach.
• He highlights the significance of the five home Tests in honing the mental strength required for the Australian tour.
• Gavaskar emphasizes the power of strategic psychological warfare in gaining an edge in competitive series.
• He suggests a specific tactic: Ashwin’s “special delivery” for Steve Smith to unsettle Australia’s best batter.
• Gavaskar’s call for a stronger response serves as a reminder that a successful tour to Australia requires more than just skill, but also a robust mental game.