'Somewhere down the line you have got to be prepared for transition' - Sunil Gavaskar reserves criticism for senior players

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar did not mince his words when talking about India's batting performance after the disappointing loss against Australia in the World Test Championship Final. The ex-cricketer reckoned that several senior cricketers might not be part of the red-ball set-up in the coming two years.

Following India's batting collapse on the fifth day of the WTC Final at The Oval, former Indian captain and batting icon Sunil Gavaskar went hard on the Indian batters, especially the senior players. Gavaskar reckoned that the team should be prepared for a transition across all formats as he does not see many senior players featuring in the side in the upcoming two years.

“I think two years down the road, I am pretty certain, there won't be too many of the senior players. I would be very surprised. If they are there, then it's fantastic because they would have played out of their skins to be there. But, I think somewhere down the line, you have got to be prepared for transition, whether it's 20 overs game, 50 overs game or Test cricket. But it has to happen,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

India will be looking at a quick turnaround with the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup later this year

Gavaskar's comments came in the wake of India's woeful batting display across the two innings as none of the senior batters apart from Ajinkya Rahane breached the 50-run mark. He was also critical of the shot selection of the Indian batters, especially Virat Kohli, who lost his wicket after trying an expansive drive to a wide delivery on the morning of the fifth day.

It is worth noting that India were also on the losing side in the inaugural edition of the WTC Final against New Zealand a couple of years ago. It is a big couple of years for an ageing Indian squad as they are scheduled to take part in the 50-over World Cup later this year, followed by the T20 World Cup next year.