T20 World Cup 2022: Sunil Gavaskar takes jibe at Ravichandran Ashwin for his performance against South Africa
Ravichandran Ashwin registered figures of 1 for 43 [Source: AP]
India's five-wicket defeat against South Africa in Perth in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, was met with several former players raising concerning issues within the team. The lack of runs from the openers, and the inability to rake in wickets in the mid-overs are glaring weaknesses for Team India heading into the business end of the Super 12 stage.
Even last evening, after pinning South Africa three-down, India failed to latch on to the opportunity and make regular inroads costing them the match.
Ravichandran Ashwin did manage to provide a chance, but Virat Kohli spilled a simple catch off Aiden Markram. Overall, in his four overs, Ashwin gave away 43 runs, which included two back-to-back sixes in the 17th over.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, not to shy away from speaking his mind, took a subtle dig at the off-spinner for his performance. According to India Today, the 79-year-old rued India's poor fielding as one of the main reasons behind the loss.
Gavaskar takes jibe at Ashwin
"Things like dropping a catch and missing a run-out chance happen in cricket. We can’t blame any one player for the loss. When luck is not on your side, big players too can drop catches or miss run-out chances. I believe that the main problem when India fielded was one bowler giving away 43 runs,”
The former India opener wished that India play Yuzvendra Chahal going forward. However, it is highly unlikely India will replace Ashwin, given the match-ups against Bangladesh, who they face on Wednesday.
Gavaskar also quizzed about Paddy Upton's role in the support staff. Upton joined the Indian squad as a mental health conditioning coach ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
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