Gambhir, Sehwag need to change technique to perform in Australia, opines Gaekwad

By CricketCountry Staff

 

Former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad feels the Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir need to erase few technical errors to be successful in the final Test at Adelaide.

Openers Gautam Gambhir (L) and Virender Sehwag have failed to provide a single opening partnership worth 50 or more in the ongoing Test series © Getty Images

By CricketCountry Staff

Mumbai: Jan 22, 2012

Former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad feels the Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir need to erase few technical errors to be successful in the final Test at Adelaide.

Gaekwad wrote in a column in DNA,” The basic problem is that they are batting like they would (and should) on subcontinental wickets. One needs to change his technique and adjust his footwork on bouncy tracks. You can’t just stay rooted in the crease and not use your feet. The other issue, of course, is defence.

“Viru and Gauti don’t seem to be in Test-cricket mode. If they were, then they’d be focusing on tiring out Peter Sidle & Co. Instead, they seem to be gifting their wickets. An opener’s primary job is to see off the new ball; scoring runs comes later.

“In our time, we would frustrate the bowlers to such an extent that they’d be forced to bowl on our legs. We’d then pounce on the scoring opportunities.”

Indian openers have come under scanner after their failures to provide a good start at the start of the innings throughout the ongoing Australian tour. There has not been a single opening partnership worth 50 or more in the ongoing Test series.