New Delhi, September 12, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has called for a more assertive response to what he sees as unjust criticism of India in the world of cricket. Citing recent comments made about Joe Root possibly surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in men’s Test cricket, Gavaskar emphasized that such “India bashing” needs to be countered with aggression.
Michael Vaughan’s Claim on Joe Root Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar
The issue came to the forefront after former England captain Michael Vaughan, during an episode of the *Club Prairie Fire* podcast, stated that it was only a matter of time before Joe Root surpasses Tendulkar as the leading run-getter in Test cricket. Vaughan also suggested that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) would do everything in its power to keep the record with an Indian player.
Gavaskar’s Response to Silence Criticism and India Bashing
Responding to these claims, Gavaskar, in his ‘Sportstar’ column, dismissed Vaughan’s assertion and criticized the ongoing narrative of “India bashing.” He pointed out that crowds around the world, not just in India, go quiet when their teams underperform.
“I can say from more than 50 years of experience that it’s not just Indian crowds who go silent when their team isn’t doing well. Every country’s supporters react the same way. When there is noise in the stadium while India is doing well overseas, it’s because of the large number of Indian fans traveling to support their team, not the local crowd,” Gavaskar wrote.
He further added, “The business of India bashing must be countered with aggression because that’s the only language they understand.”
Dismissing Root’s Potential Record Over Tendulkar
Gavaskar also took issue with the claim that Test cricket would be “better” if Root surpassed Tendulkar’s records. He questioned how breaking Tendulkar’s record would benefit the sport. “Please tell us what’s wrong with Test cricket presently when Tendulkar holds the record, and how will it be better if an Englishman surpasses it?” he asked.
Defending BCCI’s Commitment to Test Cricket
Addressing the perception that the BCCI doesn’t prioritize Test cricket, Gavaskar dismissed this notion as “ridiculous.” He noted that India plays several Test matches each season, both at home and abroad. “Just because the IPL is massively successful doesn’t mean the BCCI isn’t promoting Test cricket. This is a false narrative pushed by overseas media,” Gavaskar explained.
Concerns About the WTC Final Venue
In closing, Gavaskar touched upon the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final, expressing skepticism about the venue remaining at Lord’s if England fails to qualify. “We’ve heard this announcement twice before, and when it was clear that England wouldn’t qualify, the venue was shifted to Southampton or The Oval. Now that England is winning more Tests and may qualify, we’re hearing that it will be at Lord’s. Let’s wait and see,” he said, referencing the famous Indian saying, “DILLI (Lord’s) abhi bhi door hai” – meaning the destination is still far away.
