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The fervour surrounding the announcement of India’s squad for the impending ODI World Cup 2023 has ignited a deluge of opinions from fans and experts alike. Notably, former foreign cricket stars have also joined the chorus, offering their insights and analyses on India’s squad and its potential for the upcoming marquee event.
Gavaskar questions the relevance of foreign opinions
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has taken exception to these overseas experts’ critiques of the Indian cricket team. In a candid statement, Gavaskar questioned the relevance of foreign experts’ opinions on India’s cricket affairs, asserting that such matters are none of their concern.
Gavaskar’s irritation stemmed from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi‘s social media post on X (formerly Twitter), in which Sethi suggested that India might be reluctant to face Pakistan. Gavaskar questioned the basis for such statements and wondered aloud why foreign experts felt compelled to offer their views on India’s cricketing decisions.
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“If you see the statements that come out from their side…sadly our media gives them the prominence. We have Pakistan players, and Australian players selecting the Indian team. How is it their concern? Do any Indian players go and select the Australian or the Pakistan team? It’s none of our business. But we allow that,” remarked Gavaskar during an interview with Sports Today.
Lambasting Pakistan’s expert opinions
Gavaskar didn’t hold back in his criticism of Pakistani experts, noting their tendency to consistently assert that their cricketers are superior to their Indian counterparts. He said: “From there it’s always Babar is better than Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma; Shaheen Afridi is better than so and so. Inzamam-ul-Haq is better than Sachin Tendulkar. For them, they are always better than us. That is the way they have to cater to their audience.”
Advice to Indian media
In conclusion, Gavaskar advised the Indian media not to accord too much attention to foreign experts’ opinions, stating unequivocally that Indians do not require their advice.
“Don’t give them space in your papers. You have a South Africa saying a player should be in your team. You have an Australian saying. It happens too often. They say who should bat at no. 3 or no. 4. C’mon, we don’t need your advice,” Gavaskar emphasized.
