Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has warned the Indian team against letting their aggressive batting approach spiral into recklessness, stressing the need for deliberate intent as they prepare for their high-stakes group stage clash against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.
In an exclusive segment of India Today, the legendary opener highlighted that while India’s modern batting philosophy has changed the gameThere is a fine line between fearless cricket and sloppy shot selection – especially when the conditions favor the bowlers.
CALCULATED AGGRESSION, NOT EASE
Gavaskar acknowledged India’s batting prowess in a new age where even 200 runs seem routine. However, he pointed to the team’s stunning performances against the USA and Namibia as evidence that this approach can backfire when the pitch offers help to the bowlers.
“Look, it can’t be reckless. It has to be calculated aggression and we’ve seen that so far. Yes, sometimes it goes wrong, but I think it’s calculated aggression that’s important,” explained Gavaskar.
He illustrated his point with a specific scenario: “For example, I think you’re 12 runs into an over, you’ve hit two or three sixes – two sixes and maybe another boundary. And then now the fielders have shifted a bit. You don’t go and try to take a challenge where you want to outrun the fielder and get out because that’s stupid.”
The batsman emphasized the importance of understanding match situations and choosing the right bowlers to target. “But if you’re in the flow — and I know it’s very easy to say — but if you’re in the flow as a hitter, then keep going. And yes, you can get there; that’s the thing. But it’s also about seeing which pitchers you’re targeting.”
Gavaskar added that tactical awareness is essential: “There are bowlers you have to target for maximum runs in their two or three overs. There are certain bowlers you should be happy to say, ‘Look, I’ll probably get maybe eight runs from him. That’s good economy for him.’
HEAVY ATTACK FOR THE PREMADAS
On the composition of the team for the match in Pakistan, Gavaskar advocated a major tactical shift – bringing Sundar I in Washingtonin place of Arshdeep Singh to strengthen India’s arsenal. With the Premadasa Stadium expected to assist the spinners and Pakistan successfully deploying a five-man spin unit in previous matches, the former captain believes India should follow this strategy.
“I said yesterday that I would like to see Washington Sundar in the team because of the fact that Premadasa helps the spinners. So yes, I think another spinner – but someone like Washington Sundar can also bat down the order, who can bat at number eight, you know, it gives a punch in the last two or three overs,” Gavaskar mused.
He highlighted Sundar’s dual value: “You want some 18-20 runs in three series, you know, someone like Washington Sundar can get those 20-30 runs.”
While praising Arshdeep Singh’s contributions, Gavaskar outlined his preferred bowling combination: “Arshdeep was a great bowler, but I’d like the new bowlers to be Hardik Pandya and Bumrah, and then the spinners come in. And you’ve got Shivam Dube to come in and bowl a couple in case, you know, the new ball falters.”
As India face their arch-rivals in what looks set to be a crucial T20 World Cup clash, Gavaskar’s tactical insights add another dimension to the pre-match build-up.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 14, 2026