As IPL resumes, Gavaskar says teams on winning streak might slow down
Gavaskar said for sides like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, or Punjab Kings, the pause could help reassess and figure out how to improve
Hyderabad: Cricket legend and former India captain, Sunil Gavaskar, said the recent break in the tournament might slow down teams that were on a winning streak.
Speaking on Star Sports Press Room interaction, Gavaskar said for sides like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, or Punjab Kings, the pause could help—they could reassess and figure out how to improve.
“The next 8–10 days will be very interesting. At the start, the league is like a marathon with 14 games. But now, with only 2-3 matches left, it’s a sprint to the finish—to break into the top four, or ideally, the top two,” Gavaskar said.
“When you look at the Purple and Orange Cap leaders, you understand why teams are placed where they are. Gujarat Titans, for instance, have Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler among the top five run-scorers—no surprise they’re at the top. Royal Challengers Bengaluru too, with Kohli firing, is right up there,” said Gavaskar, who is also on the tv commentary panel.
“The Orange Cap this season has felt like a game of musical chairs—even the standings and top performers keep changing every other day. What makes it even more fascinating is how differently each batter scores: Suryakumar Yadav goes 360°, Gill and Sai Sudharsan stick to classical cricketing shots, and Buttler mixes it up beautifully. For fans at the ground or watching on screens, it’s been a real treat,” he said.
“Young Indian captains in the IPL will take a few more years to reach the levels of our super captains—MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Each brought a different approach: Dhoni was ‘Captain Cool,’ Rohit had a laid-back style, and Virat was energetic and positive,” Gavaskar said.
“Shubman Gill also seems more competitive and involved, Rishabh Pant is always in the game from behind the stumps, and Shreyas Iyer has been superb. IPL is a high-pressure, fast-moving tournament—one of the best training grounds for future captains,” he concluded.
For his part, IPL great Suresh Raina said Suresh Raina backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to resume their campaign strongly and go the distance in finally bringing home the elusive TATA IPL trophy with Virat Kohli.
“It is playing in a different league this year. They’ve defended scores like 150 and 136 at Chinnaswamy, and their bowling unit has stepped up. The new captain has beaten Chennai Super Kings twice—once in Chennai and again at home, which speaks volumes,” Raina said he said. “Yes, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings are also doing well, but this might finally be Virat’s year to lift the trophy after 18 years,” Raina said.
