Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has launched a fierce critique of former Australian and English players for their persistent 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 over the double standards when it comes to pitch assessments.
“If 15 wickets fell [in one day] in India, all hell would have broken loose,” Gavaskar remarked. “We had Glenn McGrath saying he’d never seen so much grass. Did you hear any former India cricketer moan about the pitch?”
Gavaskar Defends Indian Players’ Toughness
Gavaskar highlighted that Indian players have always adapted to foreign conditions without complaints, unlike their Australian and English counterparts.
“When we go out and play cricket, we toughen it out. And if we are beaten, we are beaten. Overseas, it’s very difficult to beat home teams,” he added.
The former Indian skipper didn’t hold back in criticizing those who constantly target Indian pitches.
“Former English and Australian cricketers always talk about Indian pitches and conditions. We’re not moaners, we’re not whingers. You’ll never find us complaining. But 15 wickets in a day in India, there would be hell,” Gavaskar emphasized.
Criticism of the SCG Pitch
The pitch at SCG has come under scrutiny for its excessive grass cover and unpredictable bounce. Gavaskar shared his thoughts on the playing surface, hinting that it wasn’t up to standard.
“I did say that when we saw the pitch yesterday, the cows could have gone and grazed on it. This is not the ideal Test match pitch that you want because you want it to go into a fourth and fifth day. Unless there is rain, I don’t see us being here on day four,” he observed.
Pant’s Blistering Knock Keeps India in Command
While the pitch debate raged on, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant delivered 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 crucial 145-run lead with four wickets in hand.
At stumps on Day 2, India stood at 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding fort. Earlier in the day, the visitors had bowled out Australia for 181, securing a slim first-innings lead.
Prasidh Krishna and the Bowling Unit Shine
India’s bowling unit, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, continued to impress. Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy played vital roles in keeping Australia’s batting lineup 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 favor.
Gavaskar’s Closing Remarks
Gavaskar concluded his rant by reiterating the need for fairness in pitch assessments. He pointed out that Indian players have never complained about the challenges they face abroad and called for similar respect from other nations.
“We don’t complain about foreign pitches. We accept the challenge and play our best. The same respect should be extended to us when teams come to India,” he said.
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