"Sunil Gavaskar Wasn't The Best India Captain But...": Shashi Tharoor Makes Interesting Observation

02.08.2023 - 15:55 sports.ndtv.com

Indian cricket has seen many great captains who took the game to the next level. Be it the terrific Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi or Ajit Wadekar or Sourav Ganguly, every one left an indelible mark on the sport.

However, when it comes to most successful Indian captains, two names which come first to the mind are Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.

Both achieved great success by winning World Cups as India skippers. The Indian Board has often given the captaincy armbands to batting and bowling greats too.

Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are part of that list. They achieved success as captain in varying degrees.

cricket India Cricket Team MS Dhoni Sachin Tendulkar Sourav Ganguly Sunil Gavaskar India

Sachin Tendulkar is an inspiration to many. His on-field exploits has made him one of the most admired cricketers ever. Tendulkar has the record of most international centuries in world cricket. he is also a popular figure world-wide. Among his fans are actor and cricket enthusiast Saiyami Kher. The actor, who has acted in cricket-based movie Ghoomer, recently met the cricket great on the sideline of promoting her movie. "What's the one dream you had as a child that you never thought could never come true? Mine was that someday, I would get to meet @sachin_rt my hero, my inspiration, my teacher. I have loved and learnt this game watching him play," Kher posted on X.

"Don't Think Any Player...": Sunil Gavaskar's 'Injustice' Take On India's Asia Cup 2023 Squad

An annoyed Sunil Gavaskar pleaded with those questioning the Indian team selection for the upcoming Asia Cup and asserted that this 17-man squad should form the nucleus of the 15-member World Cup side. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was a notable omission from the squad, leaving India with only one wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the other spin bowling options in the squad that was named on Monday. Few also wondered why senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is also a very useful batter lower down the order, was not picked in the side. "Yes, there are a few players who will believe that they are lucky. But the team is selected. So don't talk about Ashwin. Stop creating controversy. This is our team now.

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer Rushed Into India's Asia Cup Squad Despite 'Very Little Game-Time'? Sunil Gavaskar's Clear Take

The Asia Cup 2023 squad of the India had two stars returning from injury after a long time - KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. While Rahul has been out of action since May with a thigh injury while Iyer last played an international game in March. Rahul sustained an injury in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 1. He was in rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. However, with the Asia Cup having a provision to name a 17-member squad, the duo was included for the continental event.

Watch: "Stop Creating Controversy" - Sunil Gavaskar's Stern Message To Team India Fans

Legendary Indian cricket team batter Sunil Gavaskar had a somewhat stern message for cricket fans following the announcement of the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Skipper Rohit Sharma and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named the 17-member squad on Monday and it was followed by various discussions over the inclusions and also some exclusions - namely Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin. During his analysis, Gavaskar had several points to make but he made it clear that the team is already selected and the fans should look to support them instead of creating 'controversy' over the choices.

"One Batting Slot Does Not Make Much Of A Difference": Sourav Ganguly On Number 4 Position

Former captain Sourav Ganguly on Monday said India have a lot of options for the No 4 position in their ODI side, and stressed that one position alone will not win important tournaments like the World Cup. Ganguly said the team management should zero in on one player and give him a long rope at the No 4 slot. “India has enormous talent. I keep hearing about this...we don't have this or that but we have too much and that is the problem that we cannot decide.

"He Opens Up The Game...": Sourav Ganguly Picks India's Wicketkeeper For ICC World Cup 2023

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has picked Ishan Kishan as the team's wicketkeeper-batter for the Asia Cup and the subsequent ODI World Cup on home soil. With Rishabh Pant out of action due to injuries sustained in a car crash last year, India are yet to finalise their first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the mega events. In his absence, India have a choice to make between Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and KL Rahul, who is currently out injured.