Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian cricketer, is known for his expertise in the game, and has been a prominent voice in cricket commentary for several years. He has played 125 Tests and scored over 10,000 runs in his career, which has contributed to his astute understanding of the game. He is well-known for his insightful analysis of cricket matches, which he delivers in a clear and articulate manner, making him a popular figure in the commentary box.
On the first day of the India vs Australia 4th Test in Ahmedabad, Sunil Gavaskar asked former Australia opener Matthew Hayden in the commentary box if Steve Smith was a compulsive puller, leading to criticism due to the hot weather conditions.
It was during the first over after the Tea break when India pacer Umesh Yadav bowled a barrage of bouncers to Smith to unsettle him. On the surface, Gavaskar’s question was pretty normal. An Indian commentator can definitely ask about an Australian player to someone who will know his batting better. But the fact Gavaskar was talking about Smith, who is not only one of the top batters of the world but has toured India many times in the past, is what irked the fans.
Gavaskar’s question on Smith drew sharp reactions from the netizens. The former India cricketer was heavily criticised for saying he hasn’t watched Smith much, despite being in the commentary panel in almost every edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Gavaskar’s comments on Steve Smith
Australia reached 255/4 at stumps after they won the toss and elected to bat in their bid to square the four-match series at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
After a long grind, Khawaja was batting on 104 alongside Cameron Green, on 49, at close of play as the pair put together an attacking stand of 85.
The left-handed Khawaja put on key stands including a 79-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Steve Smith, who made 38, to hand Australia a strong start.
“A lot of emotion in that. I have been to India two tours before this and carried the drinks for eight Test matches, so it was a long journey to finally hit a hundred in India,” Khawaja told broadcaster Star Sports.
“As an Australian, that’s what you want to tick off, so it’s very special.”
