"Ridiculous. If They Have Any Sense...": Sunil Gavaskar's Scathing Attack On Australia Selectors

06.03.2023 - 12:09 sports.ndtv.com

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has slammed the Australian selectors for their decision making while picking the team for the first two Tests against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

While the Australian team has been targetted by former players and experts, following the defeats in the first two Tests, Gavaskar feels that the selectors should take the blame for picking up injured players in the squad.

Australia trail India 1-2 in the four-match series, having won the third Test in Indore by 9 wickets. Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, said that the Australian selectors should resign, even if the visitors make a strong comeback and level the series. "While the ex-Australian players on the various media platforms are having a real go at their players, the ones who should be the real targets are the Australian selectors.

How can they pick three players (Hazlewood, Starc, and Cameron Green) who they knew would not be available for selection for the first two Test matches?

cricket Australia Cricket Team 2023 on Cameron Green Mitchell Starc Josh Hazlewood Sunil Gavaskar Matthew Kuhnemann Australia India

The name 'Suryakumar Yadav' is on every fan's mind after the talismanic batter secured three successive first-ball ducks in the ODI series against Australia. For the first couple of games, left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc got the better of Surya, and in the last match, it was the left-arm spinner, Ashton Agar. Fans, pundits, and some former cricketers have been wondering what led to such a catastrophic performance from Surya. When Sunil Gavaskar was asked about this, his reply literally was 'nothing'.

IPL 2023: What Makes MS Dhoni 'Stand Out', Sunil Gavaskar Explains

It's been 15 years since MS Dhoni first donned the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey in the Indian Premier League. Over the years, the 'Thala' has established himself as one a true great of the game. Not just with his batting as a finisher or his wicket-keeping, but Dhoni made a name for himself as a 'captain' that everyone looks forward to. Sunil Gavaskar, one of the finest batters India has produced, brilliantly summed up Dhoni the cricketer as he highlighted the little things that the wicket-keeper batter does to get his team to perform at the peak of its potential.

"You Can't Have A Family Commitment": India Great Blasts Rohit Sharma

Indian cricket team legend Sunil Gavaskar was not happy with skipper Rohit Sharma missing the first ODI encounter against Australia due to “family commitments” and said that such reasons have no place on the year of the ODI World Cup. Hardik Pandya led the team in Rohit's absence and the hosts were able to clinch the victory thanks to a solid knock from KL Rahul. However, Rohit's return to the side was not enough for them to clinch the series as the visitors won the next two matches. Gavaskar was not happy with the decision taken by Rohit and said that the team needs a “continuity in leadership”.

"Since We Don't Have...": Ravichandran Ashwin's Honest Admission On India's Pace Attack And Its Impact

Team India had a forgetful outing against Australia in the second ODI in Visakhapatnam after the hosts got bundled out for just 117. In return, Australia chased down the target in just 11 overs with openers Mitchell Marsh (66*) and Travis Head (51*) staying intact at the crease and giving their side a 10-wicket victory. In the memorable win, the biggest contribution was made by pacer Mitchell Starc, who achieved his ninth five-wicket haul and wreaked havoc on India's batting line-up. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul miserably failed to leave a mark as they succumbed to Starc's blistering pace.

"He Knows That...": Sunil Gavaskar's Brutal Verdict On Virat Kohli After Dismissal In 2nd ODI vs Australia

Virat Kohli on Sunday once again became a victim of LBW dismissal. The batter was dismissed for 31 runs on the bowling of Nathan Ellis as he missed his flick down the leg side in the second ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam. His mode of dismissal was similar to that in the first ODI in which a Mitchell Starc delivery hit him on the pad and he had to depart for four runs. Former India captain and batter Sunil Gavaskar was unhappy over the fact that Kohli made the same mistake of playing across the line in the second ODI as well.

Watch: Sunil Gavaskar, Dinesh Karthik Join The 'Tum Tum' Trend, But There's A Surprise

When it comes to the social media game, Indian cricketers often bring out their A-game. Current players like Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Yuzvendra Chahal among others have often been part of social media trends with some fabulous creations. Recently, members of the Indian women's cricket team made a video where they joined the 'Tum Tum' trend. Now, India and Royal Challengers Bangalore star Dinesh Karthik and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar joined the 'Tum Tum' trend but with a twist. In a video posted by Karthik on his Instagram profile, the two stars can be seen in a shadow practising cricket shots as 'Tum Tum' song plays in the background.