Sunil Gavaskar Questions Intent of Rohit, Iyer

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed disappointment and concern over the performance of top Indian batsmen, particularly Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, in the recent Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in a loss for Mumbai after more than a decade.

Gavaskar criticized the aggressive approach adopted by Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, stating that it backfired on a pitch with movement, leading to their dismissals while trying to play big shots. He also raised questions about the motivation of the Mumbai batsmen, suggesting that they might have participated in the game only to maintain their national contracts, as mandated by the new BCCI rules. This concern was further emphasized by the fact that other top players, such as Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, and Shardul Thakur, showed better intent and performed well in their respective matches.

Gavaskar drew parallels between the recent performance of Indian batters in the Ranji Trophy and their dismissals in the Sydney Test against Australia, attributing both to a lack of common sense and an over-aggressive approach. He emphasized the importance of balancing caution and aggression in batting, highlighting Shardul Thakur's performance as an example of how runs can be scored with proper technique and the right mindset. Thakur's batting in both innings for Mumbai was particularly praised by Gavaskar, who noted that he showed the "gumption and desire to stick it out" despite challenging conditions.

The comments by Sunil Gavaskar reflect a broader concern about the commitment and strategy of India's top cricketers in domestic cricket, especially under the new BCCI rules that require players to participate in domestic matches to maintain their national contracts. Gavaskar's praise for younger players like Ayush Mhatre, who had the opportunity to learn from experienced batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal during his time with the Mumbai side, suggests a hope for future improvement and a more balanced approach to the game.

In conclusion, Sunil Gavaskar's comments on the performance of Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer in the Ranji Trophy have sparked a discussion about the intent, strategy, and commitment of India's top cricketers. As the cricket community reflects on these concerns, it remains to be seen how these observations will impact the approach of Indian batsmen in future matches, both domestically and internationally.