Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has come under attack on social media after his contrasting analysis of the dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Bangladesh left fans unhappy. Rohit Sharma had scored a quickfire 23 off 11 balls to get India off to a good start in the powerplay. On the other hand, Kohli played a more measured innings, scoring 37 off 28 balls. However, while Gavaskar praised Indian captain Rohit’s selflessness, he was harsher in his criticism of Virat’s dismissal. This led to many unhappy reactions from fans of the Indian number 18.
Rohit came out trying to hit a lofted shot off Shakib’s bowling. Before that, however, he had hit a six and a four in the same over. Gavaskar praised Rohit’s intent and aggressive approach.
“Someone who has scored 10 runs in two balls would not attempt a big shot, but for Rohit Sharma, it is all about the team,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Rohit Sharma’s dismissal would have certainly brought back memories of the 2023 World Cup final in the minds of Indian fans as even on that occasion, Rohit had walked out after scoring a great goal in the same final.
After a poor run at the start of the tournament, Kohli was well placed with 37 against Bangladesh. However, a rare slower delivery from Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib got Kohli clean.
“What was I thinking? I should have played the other way around,” was Gavaskar’s reaction.
The difference in Gavaskar’s reaction to the dismissals of Rohit and Kohli left several fans unhappy on social media. The former India batsman was labeled as “biased” and “hypocritical” by X fans.
“It is not the fans but the commentators like Sunil Gavaskar who create the difference between the fans and the players,” said one user, criticizing Gavaskar’s opinion.
It is not the fans but the commentators like Sunil Gavaskar who create the difference between the fans and the players.
Gavaskar today when Rohit Sharma came out: This is Rohit for you, everything for the team.
When Virat Kohli came out: What he is doing, he should have played inside-out shots. pic.twitter.com/Gcvjkbvequ
– Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) June 22, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar has become very annoying and is the biggest hypocrite.
“What were you trying to do?” – After Kohli came out
“Rohit is always there for the team” – After Rohit came out
— A (@_shortarmjab_) June 22, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar says, “Someone who has scored 10 runs in 2 balls would not bet on the big shot, but for Rohit Sharma it is all about the team.” This is just a biased comment. #T20WC2024
– Sandeep (@sandeep_Vishu) June 22, 2024
Rohit Sharma playing big shots is considered “for the team”, while Virat Kohli doing the same is called “What are you trying to do?”
Cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar keep talking nonsense like this and then expect respect in return. pic.twitter.com/juswtgDhQL
—Pari (@BluntIndianGal) June 22, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar would have lost his mind if anyone else had tried to shoot after two boundaries. But since it’s Rohit, he just says it’s for the team. Literally mentioned by Rohit. The bias is unreal.
— Adults (@CSKian716) June 22, 2024
Rohit and Kohli’s knocks, along with good contributions from Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube, took India to a daunting total of 196-5 in 20 overs. Chasing him, Bangladesh fell short by 50 runs.
India has almost certainly sealed a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
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