Veteran Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was irked with Indian cricket fans who have been criticizing all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for his underwhelming performances in the ongoing T-20 World Cup 2024. Jadeja, who has struggled to make an impact with the bat and ball in the tournament, has faced increasing scrutiny from fans, leading Gavaskar to coming to his defense.
Jadeja’s performance in the World Cup has been substandard, with the cricketer yet to score in double digits and delivering only 10 overs across five matches, claiming just one wicket. However, Gavaskar emphasized that fans are too quick to judge and often overlook a player’s past achievements.
Sunil Gavaskar slams Indian fans for questioning Jadeja’s inclusion in the team
In a recent interview, Gavaskar condemned the ambiguous reactions from the fans who called for a player’s exclusion after merely a couple of poor games. He drew a parallel with other professions, questioning whether individuals are subjected to the same level of scrutiny and criticism in their jobs when they make mistakes.
“I don’t think we should even consider questioning Jadeja. The issue with Indian fans is that after just two bad games, they start to panic and question a player’s place in the team. Nobody considers their own jobs and whether they would be questioned for making a couple of errors,” Gavaskar stated. “This is merely a sensational topic for television debates. You shouldn’t question Jadeja’s place in the XI. He’s a rock star.”
Gavaskar also highlighted Jadeja’s exceptional fielding skills, noting that his contributions on the field have saved the team approximately 20 to 30 runs through his run-outs and catches. These efforts, Gavaskar argued, are invaluable and add significant worth to the team beyond his batting and bowling stats.
“I am not at all worried about Jadeja. He is highly experienced and has made the most of the opportunities he’s had. His fielding alone has saved us 20 to 30 runs per game, which is crucial. Any contribution he makes with the bat or ball is an added bonus,” Gavaskar added.
Despite Jadeja’s proven track record and all-round abilities, Indian cricket fans continue to question his inclusion in the playing XI. Gavaskar’s defense of Jadeja underscores the importance of looking at the broader contributions a player makes to the team.
