Sunil Gavaskar on Lakshya Sen

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has emphasized the need for mental training for young shuttler Lakshya Sen following his disappointing losses at the Paris Olympics, where he lost in both the semifinals and the bronze medal playoff despite having leads in both matches. Gavaskar noted that both losses may be attributed to mental challenges, suggesting that Sen should focus on psychological preparation, an opinion echoed by his mentor, Prakash Padukone. Padukone expressed disappointment in Sen's performance, stating that Indian athletes often struggle under pressure and must take responsibility and develop mental resilience. He called for a greater emphasis on sports psychology and recommended the hiring of foreign sports psychologists to improve athletes' mental fortitude. Padukone's comments reflect a broader concern about the lack of mental preparation in Indian sports, which he believes is crucial for success at high-stakes events like the Olympics. As both Gavaskar and Padukone pointed out, addressing these mental aspects could be key to improving future performances and achieving success in upcoming competitions.