Legendary player Sunil Gavaskar has emphasized the need for India to respond assertively to criticism. He referenced recent discussions suggesting that Joe Root might surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in men’s Test cricket. Gavaskar underscored the importance of countering such remarks with confidence and aggression, highlighting that maintaining a strong stance is essential when facing external challenges and opinions. His comments reflect a broader call for resilience and determination in addressing critiques about Indian cricket.
In a recent podcast, former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted that Joe Root will inevitably become the leading run-scorer in Test cricket. However, Vaughan also noted that the BCCI will likely take every measure to keep the record in the hands of an Indian batter. His remarks highlight the ongoing competition and the lengths to which both sides will go to achieve cricketing supremacy.
While writing on this matter, Sunil Gavaskar wrote, “ I can say with experience of more than 50 years that it’s not just the Indian crowds who are silent when their team is not doing well but crowds in every country. If there is some noise when, say, India is doing well overseas, it’s because of the number of Indian supporters who travel long distances from India and who cheer for them and not the locals.”
He further wrote, “ So next time, when some commentator or media person from overseas tries to talk about the silence of the Indian crowd when India is not doing well, we should ask them why their supporters haven’t come to cheer for their team. This business of India bashing has to be countered with aggression because that’s the only language they understand.”
He added, “ Recently, I heard someone saying it would be good for Test cricket if Joe Root overtook Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs and centuries in Test match cricket. Please tell us what’s wrong with Test cricket presently when Tendulkar is owning the record and how will Test cricket be better if (and that’s a huge if) an Englishman goes on to hold it. In what way will it be better? Kindly enlighten us.”
Sunil Gavaskar Expresses on Other Matters as well:
He also expressed astonishment that the BCCI, despite India’s substantial red-ball schedule each year, seems indifferent to Test cricket. His comment highlights a perceived disconnect between the governing body’s stance and the significant amount of Test cricket played by the Indian team annually.
He further said, “ For some strange reason, there’s a perception overseas that BCCI does not like Test cricket. That’s a ridiculous notion, as India play more than half a dozen Test matches every season, be it at home or away. Just because the IPL is massively successful doesn’t mean BCCI is not interested in promoting Test cricket, but that’s the narrative that’s being peddled by the overseas media.”
Gavaskar concluded by suggesting that it’s best to wait and see if the venue for the 2025 World Test Championship final will be moved from Lord’s. His comment reflects anticipation and uncertainty about whether the historic ground will continue to host the prestigious event.
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He concluded, “ The ICC just announced that the WTC final will be played at Lord’s next June. Well, we have heard the same declaration twice earlier, but as soon as it’s seen that England is not going to qualify for the final, the venue gets changed to Southampton or The Oval in London. Now that England is winning more Test matches in this period and there’s a good chance that they may get to the final, we are being told the final will be at Lord’s. Let’s wait and see. As the old Indian saying goes, DILLI (Lord’s) abhi bhi door hai.”
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