Asia Cup 2023

‘Stop creating controversy’ – Sunil Gavaskar slams Indian fans for questioning India spinner’s omission from Asia Cup 2023 squad

As the Indian Cricket Team announced their 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, fans and cricket experts started analysing it. One of the biggest concerns raised by fans is the lack of pure spinners in the squad. In its 17-member squad, India picked just one wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, and two left-arm all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

The omission of players like Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin has created a buzz on social media. Meanwhile, on Monday, legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar analysed the Indian squad and asked fans to back the boys. However, a query about Ravichandran Ashwin led him to lose his calm. When a fan asked him about the omission of Ashwin, Gavaskar said, Don’t create controversy and don’t talk about him.

While speaking with Sports Tak, he said, “Yes, there are a few players who will believe that they are lucky. But the team is selected. So don’t talk about Ashwin. Stop creating controversy. This is our team now. If you don’t like it, don’t watch the matches, but stop saying that he should have been picked or another should be there; this is the wrong mindset.”

“The major goal is the World Cup”, says Sunil Gavaskar

India also included an injured KL Rahul in the squad. According to chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma, Rahul is carrying a niggle and might miss the first two games of the Asia Cup. However, speaking about his selection, Gavaskar said that it is fine if the team carries Rahul. Gavaskar believes that India’s main goal is the World Cup, and if Rahul stays with the team, he will play a pivotal role.

He said, “Let’s see what his injury is like. Winning the Asia Cup is important, but the goal is the World Cup. So if the team management wants KL Rahul in the World Cup squad, then I think it’s right that they have selected him for the Asia Cup despite a niggle. As far as India is concerned, there are 11 days to go. That’s enough time to recover from a niggle. And there are more matches as well, right till the middle of September.”

“I think it will be fair to give KL Rahul (a chance) after all that he has done for India in the past and to give him the opportunity to recover”, he further added. It’s worth noting that India will start their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on September 2. Before that, the team will have a five-day camp in Alur, Bangalore, to enhance their skills and team bonding training.