“This is the new template” - Sunil Gavaskar opens up on India’s attacking gameplay against Pakistan

Former Indian captain and commentator Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, for their comfortable seven-wicket win over Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Gavaskar stated the win as a fabulous one. Notably, India won the game with seven wickets in hand and 4.1 overs left. The former opener was also impressed with the way spinners bowled and Indian batters chased down the target.

"It’s a fabulous win. Look at the margin of victory and the number of overs left — it was comprehensive. The way the spinners bowled, and then the confident chase, shows how well the team is performing. It really bodes well for the rest of the tournament," Gavaskar said in an exclusive chat with India Today.

Moreover, Gavaskar also praised the Indian skipper and birthday boy, Suryakumar Yadav, who propelled the team to a comprehensive win with an unbeaten 47-run knock off 37 balls with five fours and a six.

"Exactly! As a sportsperson, if you have a match on your birthday, all you want is to win. And that's what Surya got — a victory and a top knock to go with it. Perfect birthday gift," he added.

Furthermore, Gavaskar was highly impressed with India’s new template of attacking right from the very first ball with the willow, adding that the Indian batting line-up has enough depth till No. 8 with Axar Patel coming at that position.

"Absolutely. This was India sending a message not just to Pakistan, but to the entire cricketing world. This is the new template: attacking from the very first ball. When you have batting depth — someone like Axar Patel batting at 7 or 8 who can clear the ropes — the top-order batters have the licence to play freely," Gavaskar concluded.

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