"They go to overseas cricketers and ask them about Indian cricket" - Sunil Gavaskar's slams media ahead of 2025 Asia Cup
"It’s almost as if validation about Indian cricket and its cricketers has to be obtained from overseas players," Sunil Gavaskar said.
2 Min Read
Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t too pleased with retired overseas players sharing their views about Indian cricket. The former Indian captain blamed the national media for this. His remarks came in the aftermath of the several kinds of reactions to India's 15-man squad for the impending Asia Cup, which begins on September 9, in the UAE.
While the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel picked a strong side for the continental competition, several fans and experts have expressed their displeasure, especially after the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer were snubbed.
"The Indian media is also responsible, as they go to overseas cricketers and ask them about Indian cricket. How often, on overseas tours, do we see members of the Indian media chasing former players from the host country — players whom even their own nation has almost forgotten — for an interview?" Gavaskar asked in his column for Sportstar
"It’s almost as if validation about Indian cricket and its cricketers has to be obtained from overseas players. One can say with confidence that the post-independence generation of Indian cricketers had no inferiority complex and were prepared to stand toe to toe with the opposition when playing overseas," he added.
India are a powerhouse in world cricket, winning events like the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy in recent years. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has also gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2008, and played an instrumental role in transforming the BCCI into one of the wealthiest sports entities globally.
One of the fastest ways to increase the numbers is by commenting on matters Indian: Gavaskar
Gavaskar also lashed out at foreign media houses for using India cricket as a method to attract more views, which helps them become more popular.
"Today, in the days of public media, where getting views and followers is the theme, one of the fastest ways to increase the numbers is by commenting on matters Indian. And mostly, they do it negatively, so there is a huge reaction from Indian keyboard users, which in turn boosts their follower count," said Gavaskar.
"If you have thick skin, then all the better. That’s why so many overseas cricketers have made a living by needling the Indian cricket lovers with their mostly negative comments about Indian cricket and cricketers," he added.
CSK all-rounder shares massive statement about MS Dhoni
India are all set to defend the Asia Cup next month. They are placed in Group A alongside hosts UAE, arch-rivals Pakistan, and Oman. The Men in Blue will start their campaign on September 10, when they take on the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
Download Our App