Sunil Gavaskar and Team India. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Following team India’s defeat in the first session on Day 5 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval on Sunday (June 11), the Rohit Sharma-led side came under criticism from the Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. India had previously lost to New Zealand in the first WTC final in 2021 to the Kane Williamson-led side.
Notably, Australia won the ICC World Test Championship for the first time by thrashing India by a margin of 209 runs. India rarely had any moments of ecstasy as the Pat Cummins-led XI dominated for the majority of the game.
Following the invitation to bat first, Australia amassed 469 runs. They then dismissed India for 296 runs, gaining a 173-run lead in the opening inning. India were given a 444-run target as Australia concluded their second innings at 270 for 8. The Rohit Sharma-led team was bowled out for 234 runs and went on to lose yet another opportunity of winning an ICC event.
India have been unsuccessful during a lot of the previous ICC events; the Asian giants haven’t claimed a major ICC trophy since the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. This is evident even though the Men in Blue consistently advance into these competitions’ semifinals and finals.
Following consecutive losses in the WTC finals, former India cricketer turned analyst Sunil Gavaskar questioned the team management in terms of its approach and selection for the summit clash.
He also questioned the team’s management over their strategy for the WTC final after losing to Australia. “You have to be brutally honest and say from the beginning what was your approach. Was your approach in tune with what is expected for a World Test Championship Final? Was your approach a little too conservative in terms of team selection, in terms of deciding whether to bat or bowl or whatever it is?” Gavaskar told on Sports Today.
We are never going to win titles apart from Asia Cup: Gavaskar
He further mentioned that India should try fresh talent and let it fail on the big stage rather than persisting with the same approach.
“All those questions have to be asked. Look, we are never going to win titles apart from Asia Cup maybe, but the world titles, if we are going to be sweeping things under the carpet. If tough calls have to be made, you make the tough calls and then let maybe if a failure has to be there, then let it be done by somebody who is new to the job,” he added further.