Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has praised the mental toughness and adaptability of the current Indian Test squad, stating that they are “used to pressure” and far more equipped to handle English conditions than previous generations. His remarks come amid India’s dominant performance on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley, where the visitors posted a commanding 359/3.
🧠 Mental Fortitude Sets This Team Apart
Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar said:
“This team has grown up playing under intense scrutiny—IPL, World Cups, social media. They are used to pressure. That’s why they don’t crumble in England like some of our past squads did.”
He emphasized that the exposure to high-stakes cricket from a young age, especially through the IPL and India A tours, has helped players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant develop nerves of steel.
🏏 Day 1 Recap: India in Command
- Shubman Gill (127*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) led from the front
- Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 65, showing maturity and flair
- England’s bowlers struggled to extract movement on a flat Headingley pitch
🔄 A Shift from the Past
Gavaskar noted that earlier Indian teams often faltered in England due to lack of preparation and exposure to seaming conditions.
“Now, they come here after playing County cricket, India A tours, and with better support staff. The mindset is different,” he added.
🏆 Looking Ahead
With India eyeing a historic series win in England, Gavaskar’s comments underscore the evolution of Indian cricket—from underdogs abroad to confident contenders.
tuned for Day 2 action from the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
