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New Delhi: Sunil Gavaskar has taken a firm stand against overseas players who questioned India’s Asia Cup squad, especially the surprise omission of Shreyas Iyer. The Indian star batter guided Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final after leading Kolkata Knight Riders the previous season and was expected to feature in the team. His last appearance in T20I for India in 2023.
Iyer's absence drew heavy criticism towards chief selector Ajit Agarkar. While reactions from within India were on predictable lines, Gavaskar was unhappy with foreign players weighing in on the matter, pointing out that Indian veterans never interfere in other countries’ selections.
In his column for Sportstar, the former India captain wrote, “What is baffling is that foreigners with no stake in Indian cricket and little knowledge about it join the debate, adding fuel to the fire. However great they may be as players, the selection of the Indian team is none of their business.”
He also added, “They should look after their country’s cricket and let us manage ours. When their teams are picked, you hardly ever hear anything from them about the selection.”
Though Gavaskar did not name anyone directly, his remarks appeared to be aimed at Brad Haddin and AB de Villiers. De Villiers had kept his comments balanced, suggesting there might be “behind-the-scenes” reasons for Iyer’s exclusion.
On the other hand, Haddin was more blunt, voicing his disbelief and backing Iyer strongly. The former Australian wicketkeeper, who worked as assistant coach with Punjab Kings earlier this year, said, “In today’s age of social media, one of the fastest ways to gain attention is by commenting on Indian cricket.”
The Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will kick start their campaign on September 10 as they play UAE with the much-awaited clash against the arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14.
