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Top 10 reasons why Sunil Gavaskar is angry with Team India
He was always known for his copy-book cricket and cool temperament against the world's fastest bowlers. A self-confessed cricket loyalist, whose heart bleeds when Team India are in the dumps, Sunil Gavaskar has been left fuming as national team continues to fail on overseas tours. India's poor showing in the Asia Cup has left Gavaskar angry and frustrated. He has expressed his disappointment openly and with good reason.
The former captain and opener has made critical observations - unleashing a barrage of criticisms in a bid to help Team India arrest a near free-fall. Gavaskar has also expressed his views on players who have shown the propensity to blow their top and demonstrate unacceptable gamesmanship. Gavaskar has also hinted at favouristism in team selection. Here are a few of his 'verbal gun-shots':
* On defensive approach (January 4): In Indian cricket, the first innings lead is good enough to take the team forward. This culture does not encourage teams to look for outright wins. So when a winning opportunity presents itself overseas, the players are just not used to going for the kill - Gavaskar after India's 1-0 Test loss in South Africa.
* On Virat Kohli's dissent after being given out against the Kiwis in 3rd ODI (January 25): Kohli is one of those batsmen who just hates to get out. (But) When you are out, you are out...don't challenge the umpires decision - Gavaskar on live television.
* On India's chances of defending 2015 World Cup (January 28): If we do not improve our bowling by next year when India comes to this part of the world to defend the (World Cup) title, it is going to be very, very, very difficult - Gavaskar after New Zealand took an unassailable 3-0 lead against India in the ODI series.
* On Indian openers (January 31): India have not got off to a start at all. In South Africa and in New Zealand, we have not got off to a start of say 60-70 runs to make it easy for the batsmen to follow. India need to look into that aspect. India need to look at the combination - Gavaskar after India's 87-run loss in the fifth and final ODI of an already lost series against New Zealand. (
* On 'club culture' in Team India (February 2): Indian cricket history is littered with examples of teams in the past tending to become a bit of a 'club' where outsiders are not welcome. By sticking to those who have failed, the impression given is that there is no faith in reserve players - Gavaskar wrote in his column for a national daily. He was assessing India's performance against New Zealand.
* On butter-fingered India (February 5): In cricket, there is a great element of luck that can turn the fortunes around. But I think along with that has also got to be the effort. I think the Indian catching effort was not up to international standard - Gavaskar after India repeatedly dropped catches on Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland.
* On Team India's work ethics (March 3): India's work ethic has been pretty abysmal. It has let the team down. They have not practised well and there can nothing be something like optional practice. There was no excuse for anyone apart from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli to miss practice - Gavaskar after India's one-wicket loss to Pakistan in Asia Cup.
* On favouritism in the team (March 6): It is baffling that Ishwar Pandey and (Cheteshwar) Pujara are not given chances. Are they worried that if they do well then their favourite batsman or bowler will not be able to get there place in team. This is really ridiculous - Gavaskar after India fielded an unchanged side in an inconsequential Asia Cup match against Afghanistan.
* On ineffective coaching (March 9): It (Indian cricket) seems to be in a freefall that looks tough to arrest. What Indian cricket needs right now is a younger coach who will want to be out working with the team and not looking to put his feet up at the slightest chance - Gavaskar, clearly targeting Duncan Fletcher's performance as Team India coach.
* On ordinary support staff (March 10): If players like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh can be dropped for lack of form and performance, why not the support staff? I would rate Fletcher 1.5 on 10 at best. Why persist with an out-of-form coach? - Gavaskar on Fletcher. Gavaskar added that Rahul Dravid is the best man to take India forward
