Would have gone back to a 9-5 job if we didn't do well in Tests: Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian skipper and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar revealed that he would have gone back to a 9-5 job if he would not have performed in cricket. Gavaskar was arguable the finest to have wielded the willow and became the first person to reach the landmark of 10,000 Test runs.

“If we wouldn’t have performed well in Test cricket we would have gone back to a 9-5 job,” said Gavaskar to fellow panellists Harsha Bhogle and Shaun Pollock in the live preview show of the England-India series broadcasted by Sony Sports Network.

However, unlike Gavaskar’s era, the game has entirely changed and worn a new look with the advent of shorter formats and franchise-based leagues. The former legend has previously opined how cricket is now a career option, which was not the case when he aspired to play for his nation.

He also stated that the game has become far more competitive now, with the leagues like Indian Premier League bringing up young talent and giving them the chance to play alongside the best in the business. “With the cushion of an IPL, youngsters have learned how to handle pressure well because of sharing the dressing room with many legends of the game in the tournament.” he further added.

Sunil Gavaskar currently part of the commentary panel for England series

Gavaskar is a part of the commentary panel for the ongoing series between India and England. The first match of the series ended in a draw after rain played spoilsport, while the second Test is ongoing at the Lord’s Cricket Stadium, where KL Rahul’s 129 helped India to post 364 in the first innings.

“Rahul was very watchful as there was a lot of movement. Superb innings from KL. A typical opener’s innings. He was very watchful, to begin with, because there was enough movement in the air and off the surface for the England bowlers,” Gavaskar stated about Rahul’s performance.

“Luck sometimes plays such an important part. If Mayank Agarwal hadn’t got injured, Rahul would not have played in the first couple of Test matches.”

“Now, KL Rahul has once again established himself as an India opener and he should make sure that it’s for a long time,” Gavaskar concluded.