'It's Ridiculous' - Sunil Gavaskar Lambastes English Commentators for Criticizing Indian Fans
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar | Source: Twitter
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has lashed out at the English commentators after their comments on Indian supporters of favoritism during the ongoing Ashes 2023.
Notably, the England crowd were seen cheering only when the home team performed well. The commentators, on the other hand, were also backing the hosts to win the game despite Australia's domination in the first two Tests.
Weighing in on the same, Gavaskar questioned the mentality of the commentators, asserting that it is natural for home fans to support their team and it happens in every country, but to claim that it only happens in India is 'ridiculous'.
Here’s what Gavaskar wrote in his Mid-Day column:
“It’s only natural that the crowds will support their own team and won’t cheer the opponents, but to suggest that it happens only in India is ridiculous. This is not an Indian phenomena, but happens in every country where home crowds keep silent when a boundary is hit against their bowlers or their batters get out.”
The ex-Indian cricketer further expressed his discontent with foreign commentators who frequently make remarks about the quietness of the Indian crowd whenever an Indian batter is dismissed or an Indian bowler is struck for a boundary.
“Nowhere has it been more apparent than at the current Ashes series. What bugs me is the condescending way overseas commentators, when they come to India, keep saying how quiet the Indian crowd at the ground is when an Indian batter gets out or when an Indian bowler is hit for a boundary.”
Gavaskar Slams English Media
In addition, Gavaskar criticized the English media for their handling of Jonny Bairstow's ‘controversial’ dismissal in the Lord’s Test, noting that the focus on Ben Stokes' century overshadowed the important debate regarding the 'spirit of cricket.'
"Typically, while the cricketing world is busy discussing the rights and wrongs of the Jonny Bairstow stumping in the second Test match at Lord’s, the really important cricketing aspect of Ben Stokes’s marvelous innings has receded into the background. It’s a great example of how little things so often overshadow the more important happenings.”
Talking about the third Ashes Test, England secured a 3-wicket win and have kept the series alive as they head for the next Test, trailing Australia 1-2.
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