Sunil Gavaskar Slams Fans For Raising Question On Indian Bowler Selection In The 20-20 World Cup Squad

On 12 September 2022, the Indian Cricket Board announced the final 15-member squad for the upcoming 20-20 World Cup. As per expectations, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel made a comeback to the squad for the World Cup after their injury setbacks. Harshal Patel missed the Asia Cup due to a side strain injury.

However, for speaking about the announced squad, former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar attend a Q/A session with fans on a show on Sports Tak. There a fan asked if Harshal Patel will find it tough to bowl in Australia after such a long gap due to injury. In response to that, Gavaskar slammed that fan.

“At least let the match happen first.” – Sunil Gavaskar

During that show, a fan asked: “Harshal can get smashed for runs in Australia. He doesn’t have much pace and given the kind of pitches that there are Down Under, batters can attack him.”

In reply, Gavaskar said: “We will see that once the tournament starts. How can you already decide that he will go for runs? You came to a conclusion because he bowls slowly. At least let the match happen first. Then sure, you can say that ‘This happened, that happened.” (“Aagey jaa kar dekhenge na unki pitai kaise ho sakti hai. Aap ne pehle se hi tay kar diya, pitai hogi kyuki who slow bowling karte hain. Yaar pehle match toh hone do. Uske baad aap bol sakte hain ‘Aisa ho gaya, waisa ho gaya’.)

Apart from it, Gavaskar also claimed that India can easily go with four seam bowling options in Australia. In that case, Hardik Pandya needs to complete his four overs quota. He said: “India can even go in with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (as the fourth pacer). But it will depend on what the conditions are and who the opposition is. If there is grass, then include three pacers and one spinner. If it is overcast or dew, you can pick one more seamer. It’s good that there are so many options in this well-rounder Indian squad.”