TOI Sports Desk
NEW DELHI: Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Wednesday stirred a cricketing debate, claiming that the ‘Gamball‘ approach employed by Rohit Sharma-led India resembles England’s aggressive ‘Bazball‘ style.
While talking on Club Prairie Fire podcast, Vaughan suggested that Team India is trying to emulate England’s ultra-attacking brand of Test cricket, popularised by coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes.
He even went as far as to say that India’s playing style seemed like a copy of Bazball.
“I’ve to say, this is a remarkable Test match. Bangladesh 233 all out batted for 74.2 overs. India went out to bat, look Indian cricket is fantastic with everything that they deliver. It is great to see India now becoming Bazballers. They got 285 in 34.4 overs, they copied England. Which is off the scale, if you think India are now copying England, that is terrific,” said Vaughan on the podcast.
Vaughan further said: “I don’t know about the legalities, do England charge them for this?”
The term ‘Gamball’ refers to the aggressive, fearless style of cricket associated with former Indian opener and Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Vaughan noted similarities in how both England and India are now approaching the game, with attacking intent, faster run rates, and the willingness to take risks.
“I think you’re fine. (Gautam) Gambhir has already patented GamBall. Now, England need to tread carefully,” Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, also an expert on the panel, said.
To which Vaughan replied: “Gamball looks quite similar to Bazball for me. Maybe Rohit rang Ben Stokes and said ‘Can I copy you’. I even posted ‘I see India are playing Bazball. It got over a million views. There were a lot of response.”
When asked about the theme of the responses, Vaughan said: “One of the responses said, ‘India are playing Ro-ball, keep your mouth shut idiot.”
India dominated Bangladesh in the second Test, securing a comprehensive victory despite losing over two days to rain and a wet outfield. Their aggressive approach was key to the win.
After bowling Bangladesh out for 233 in 74.2 overs in the first innings, India responded with a rapid 285/9 declared in just 34.4 overs. Bangladesh managed only 146 in their second innings, leaving India to comfortably chase down the 95-run target.