Gavaskar fires a warning to the Indian batters before the Wellington and Christchurch tests – play the ball as late as possible, he says, or you’ll lose your chance to beat the movement.
India’s last tour of New Zealand in early 2020 ended in a 0‑2 loss after scores of 165, 191, 242 and 124. After five T20Is and five ODIs, the team’s experience on the green pitches will be a key advantage.
"Like in England, you try and play as late as possible," Gavaskar tells the batters. “Don’t commit yourself too much; that gives you the chance to cover the movement off the pitch.” He stresses that the ball’s swing in the air and the seam after pitching are hardest to read if you commit early.
The cricketer also voices frustration about the two‑match format. “Two tests don’t always give you a result. A third test gives a better chance to win a series,” he asserts, pushing for a more decisive series in the World Test Championship cycle.
Bumrah and Siraj are set to lead the pace attack, with Gavaskar adding that the Indian bowlers can surprise New Zealand’s batting line‑up. He predicts that once the batters settle into the conditions, the pitches could become some of the best in the world for scoring.
With the series set to start on October 22, the next challenge for India is to make the most of the late‑ball strategy and test the bowlers’ ability to exploit the New Zealand conditions.