Not Jasprit Bumrah or Rohit Sharma! Sunil Gavaskar picks two ‘hungry’ players who are ‘needed’ in Team India

New Delhi: India faced a crushing defeat by 6 wickets in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, resulting in a 3-1 series loss and a failure to qualify for the 2025 World Test Championship final. Despite this setback, the player who stood out for India was the bowler who claimed 32 wickets and was named Player of the Series. Nevertheless, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar highlighted two other players he believes are essential for Team India due to their hunger and potential.

Speaking to Star Sports after the Sydney Test, Gautam Gambhir praised emerging players Nitish Kumar Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal, emphasizing their drive and ambition to make a name for themselves, qualities he feels are vital for India’s future.

“If we talk about the macro picture, like we saw with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal – they are hungry. They are hungry to earn a name for India. They are hungry to earn a name for themselves. Such players are needed. You need such players who will protect their wicket like their life. You need such players. You can play with them on stroke,” Gavaskar said.

‘Interested To See Who Will Play Ranji Trophy’
Sunil Gavaskar also stressed the importance of players displaying dedication to the Indian team. He expressed interest in observing which players participate in the Ranji Trophy matches starting January 20, particularly those who have retired from T20Is. This remark seemed to hint at prominent players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja.

“The commitment is what I want to see. That’s why I’m interested that on January 23, in the Ranji Trophy matches, who will play? I want to see that. Because at that time, there will be T20 matches against England. But those who are not playing T20, will they play Ranji Trophy matches or not?” Gavaskar added.