Gavaskar gushes over India's depth ahead of T20 World Cup

Sunil Gavaskar praises India's depth and preparation as they secure a 3-0 series lead ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar says the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand should be seen as an early warm-up, as India are not taking anything lightly and are preparing in right earnest to defend their T20 World Cup title.

Gavaskar underlined India's depth as the hosts took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series with a scintillating eight-wicket win in Guwahati on Sunday (January 25, 2026).

"This series is like an appetiser; the main course begins from the 7th of February," Gavaskar said while speaking on JioHoststar show.

"Having won the series, the focus now is on defending the World Cup title. These players are preparing thoroughly.”

"Some of them haven’t even had the chance to bat, so they are working on range-hitting, timing, rhythm, bat flow and pick-up. It shows the focus of this team; they are not taking the World Cup lightly and not taking anything for granted."

Gavaskar said India’s depth and self-belief were evident in the way they have been winning matches comfortably, even without contributions from the lower order.