‘Stop creating controversy’ – Sunil Gavaskar’s blunt response to query on Ravichandran Ashwin's Asia Cup squad snub

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar provided a straightforward take when asked regarding veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s 2023 Asia Cup squad snub. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Monday, August 21, decided on a 17-member squad led by Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain that will feature in the forthcoming Asia Cup. 

As soon as the squad was announced by Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of team India selectors, and skipper Rohit Sharma in a press conference, fans were intrigued with the selection of certain players and the exclusion of a few. While the think tank decided to back Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma in the setup and a lone wrist-spinner in the form of Kuldeep Yadav, the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin failed to make the cut. 

In the same vein, Gavaskar made a blunt response to a query when asked if Ashwin should have made it to the setup considering his vast experience and India fielding an off-spinner.

“Yes, there are a few players who will believe that they are lucky. But the team is selected. So don't talk about (Ravichandran) Ashwin. Stop creating controversy. This is our team now. If you don't like it, don't watch the matches but stop saying that he should have been picked or another should be there, this is a wrong mindset,” Gavaskar said on Aaj Tak.

Don't think any player can claim that he has been an injustice to him: Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar further expressed that the selected set of players for the Asia Cup have a fair chance to go on to win the ODI World Cup, which is set to be played in October in India. Moreover, without naming any player in particular, Gavaskar claimed that no one can claim that they were ignored for the Asia Cup squad.  

“Yes, absolutely (this team can win the World Cup). Who else would you have picked? I don't think any player can claim that he has been an injustice to him. The experienced and in-form players have been selected in the 17-member Asia Cup squad,” he added.