The legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing criticism of former Australian and English players for their constant complaints about Indian pitches. His remarks came after a dramatic second day of the fifth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where 15 wickets fell, raising questions about the playing surface.
Speaking on ABC Grandstand Radio, Gavaskar expressed frustration at the double standards when it comes to fielding evaluations.
“If 15 wickets fell (in one day) in India, all hell would have broken loose,” Gavaskar noted. “We had Glenn McGrath saying he had never seen so much grass. Have you heard any former India cricketers moan about the pitch?
Gavaskar defends toughness of Indian players
Gavaskar emphasized this Indian players have always adapted to foreign conditions without complaint, unlike them Australian and English counterparts.
“When we go out and play cricket, we step it up. And if we're beaten, we're beaten. “Overseas, it's very difficult to beat local teams,” he added.
The former Indian skipper did not hold back in criticizing those who are constantly targeting Indian pitches.
“Former English and Australian cricketers always talk about Indian pitches and conditions. We are not complaining, we are not complaining. You will never find us complaining. But 15 wickets a day in India, it would be hell,” Gavaskar pointed out.
SCG Pitch Critique
The pitch at the SCG has come under scrutiny for excessive grass cover and unpredictable bounce. Gavaskar shared his thoughts on the playing surface, hinting that it was not up to standard.
“I said when we saw the field yesterday, the cows could have gone and grazed on it. This is not the ideal Test match pitch you want because you want it to go into the fourth and fifth day. If it doesn't rain, I don't see us being here on the fourth day,” he noted.
The blistering tap of the pants keeps India in command
As the debate on the field continued, the batting of India's wicketkeepers Rishabh Pants gave an electrifying performance. Pant smashed the second-fastest Test half-century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 29 balls. His aggressive approach helped India gain a decisive lead of 145 runs with four wickets in hand.
At stumps on Day 2, India stood at 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding the fort. Earlier in the day, the visitors had bowled out Australia for 181, securing a slim lead in the first innings.
Prasidh Krishna and Bowling Unit shine
India's bowling unit, led by standout captain Jasprit Bumrah, continued to impress. Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy played vital roles in keeping Australia's batting line-up in check.
The visitors took full advantage of the conditions, with Bumrah dismissing Marnus Labuschagne early. Prasidh Krishna followed up with key breakthroughs, further tilting the game in India's favour.
Gavaskar concluded his speech by reiterating the need for fairness in pitch evaluations. He noted that Indian players have never complained about the challenges they face abroad and called for similar respect from other nations.
“We do not complain about foreign fields. We accept the challenge and play our best. The same respect should be shown to us when teams come to India,” he said.
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