Marnus Labuschagne reveals the Indian legend he looks up to for his Ashes 2025-26 preparations

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Having faced a challenging period that saw him lose his spot in the Australian Test team, Marnus Labuschagne is drawing inspiration from an unlikely source to get his career back on track. Having experienced a significant drop in form over the last 18 months, Labuschagne is working to regain his spot in the Australian team.

Despite this lean period, his Test career statistics remain strong with a solid average of 46. This follows a remarkable four-year run from 2019 to 2023 when he was one of the world’s most consistent batters. Now, acknowledging he is on the outer, the 31-year-old is taking steps to recapture the simple confidence he had during that golden period

Labuschagne, the former number one ranked batter is taking cues from the aggressive, uncomplicated philosophy of Indian legend Virender Sehwag. This new, smarter approach marks a significant shift for the self-confessed ‘technocrat’ as he aims to reclaim his position in the Australian batting order ahead of Ashes 2025-26. Labuschagne’s determination is clear as he sets his sights on a return to his best form, just in time for the Ashes series.

Labuschagne has openly acknowledged that his past success was built on a simple, instinctual approach, a mindset he now wants to recapture. He recognizes the genius of Virender Sehwag, whose philosophy was all about fearless aggression. “Sehwag was an amazing player and had a great eye. Obviously Sehwag’s method was taking the ball on and just playing it. That’s an element for me,” Labuschagne was quoted as saying by the Roar.

Labuschagne now wants to return to this uncluttered mindset. “That is where I want to get to by the start of the summer, where I am so clear and confident with my technique that there is nothing else I am thinking about apart from seeing the ball, hitting it and trusting my game and everything falling into place. That’s the goal. To get there is stepping stones,”

This new “smarter” approach has led to changes in his training. “In the last few weeks I have tried to have a bit more of a focus on trying to face slightly less side-arm and trying to face more bowlers, so my movements can get consistent with bowlers I face,” Labuschagne explained.

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Despite a lean period of 18 months, Labuschagne remains confident in his ability to return to form. He holds a high standard for himself, knowing he can once again deliver consistently. “One hundred per cent. That is what I expect of myself. That is the standard I have now. Obviously the last 18 months haven’t been perfect, by no stretch. But the benefit is I scored a lot of runs and had a consistency that I brought for a long period of time. I understand that you can have a down period, but it is how you come back from that and get yourself back into that side,” the Australia batter stated.

Acknowledging his current status, Labuschagne expressed his fierce motivation to make a comeback. “I know I am on the outer. That’s fine. It’s me being in a different scenario and different situation, but I am hungrier than ever to get myself back in there and become the best player in the world. That’s where I was a few years ago and where I want to be again,”. His determined words signal a player ready to put in the work required to regain his place at the top.

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