Sunil Gavaskar Critiques Overseas Cricketers on India's Asia Cup Squad Selection
Gavaskar's Reaction to Overseas Criticism
Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India and a legendary batsman, has voiced his discontent regarding comments made by international cricketers about the selection of India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to commence on September 9. On August 19, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for the BCCI men's senior team, announced the 15-member squad during a press conference held at the board's headquarters in Mumbai.
Debates Surrounding Squad Selection
Following the announcement, discussions erupted concerning the chosen players, omissions, and potential line-up for India's opening match against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai. A significant point of contention was the absence of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the squad heading to Dubai for the tournament.
Overseas Opinions Spark Controversy
International cricketers have shared their views, questioning the decisions made by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, particularly regarding the exclusion of Jaiswal and Iyer, who have both shown remarkable form in IPL 2025 and recent international matches.
Gavaskar's Firm Stance
Gavaskar did not appreciate the foreign cricketers' comments, asserting that their opinions were 'strictly none of their business.' In his column for a sports publication, he expressed confusion over why outsiders would comment on India's squad selection, emphasizing that they have no vested interest in Indian cricket and should refrain from making judgments on matters outside their purview.
He stated, 'It is perplexing to see foreigners, who have no stake in Indian cricket and limited understanding of it, entering the debate and exacerbating the situation.'
Gavaskar further remarked, 'Regardless of their status as players or their visits to India, the selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their concern.'
Focus on Domestic Cricket
He urged international cricketers to concentrate on their own national teams, pointing out that India does not interfere in discussions about selections in other countries. 'They should prioritize their own cricket and allow us Indians to handle our cricket matters,' he wrote, noting that when selections are made in their countries, they rarely voice any criticism.
Gavaskar concluded, 'Why should they involve themselves in the selection of the Indian team? Indian ex-cricketers do not comment on the selections of other nations; we focus on our own affairs.'
Surprising Squad Inclusions
Prior to the squad announcement, there were numerous debates and speculations regarding player fitness and form. One unexpected choice was Shubman Gill, who was named vice-captain despite having been absent from T20Is to concentrate on red-ball cricket, particularly the Test series against New Zealand, Australia, and England.
Gavaskar Critiques Indian Media
Gavaskar also expressed disappointment with the Indian media for seeking opinions from foreign cricketers instead of consulting former Indian players who possess a deeper understanding of the team's dynamics and the rationale behind selection decisions.
'The Indian media is partly to blame for this, as they approach overseas cricketers for their views on Indian cricket,' he noted.
He questioned how often Indian media members pursue interviews with former players from host countries during overseas tours, suggesting that validation of Indian cricket seems to depend on foreign players.
India's Squad for Asia Cup 2025
India Squad: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, and Dhruv Jurel.