Face Pacers From 20 Yards Instead Of 22: Sunil Gavaskar Advises Youngsters Ahead Of Tour Down Under

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said that although there is some merit in facing throwdowns it is very crucial to play regular bowling and young Indian batters should face pacers from 20 yards instead of 22 to be ready for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He cautioned them that they shouldn't face ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, since he might 'kill' them. The Indian team will play five Tests against Australia starting November 22 in Perth and only a 4-0 win in this series will guarantee them a spot in the World Test Championship finals after they fell to a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at the hands of the Kiwis at home. Gavaskar said that he is looking forward to the upcoming Tests against Australia and wanted the young India batters to believe in themselves and practice hard. "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," Gavaskar said while speaking to The Indian Express. "So, therefore, the ball comes onto the bat quickly. And you will get used to it. That is what I would say to the batters. In five-day games, you have to be patient and you will score runs. Australian pitches are the best pitches to bat on after the new ball is done," Gavaskar added.India were expected to be a spirited outfit ahead of their travel Down Under, having beaten the Aussies twice in a row at home, but they have now suffered the ignominy of being whitewashed at home themselves and it needs to be seen if they can do an encore of their past outings.