Former India great Sunil Gavaskar criticized the team management for unnecessarily shuffling the batting order in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh. He pointed out that sending Shivam Dube up to No. 3 only added extra pressure on the all-rounder.
Although India’s batting faltered in the latter half of their innings, they still managed to put up 168/6 in Dubai on Wednesday, September 24. The defending champions then bundled out Bangladesh for 127, sealing a 41-run victory to secure their place in the final. On Sony Sports, Gavaskar was asked about India’s modest total after a strong start.
“You assign everyone their roles before the tournament. You would have given Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson the finishers’ role. Since you are opening with Shubman Gill, it means Samson would have to come at No. 5 or No. 6, but today he didn’t get a chance to bat at all. The batting order should be changed only based on the situation,” he responded.
“You put a little pressure on Shivam Dube. You put him at No. 3. He is not used to that number. It might have made a bigger difference had the tweaking been slightly less. Suryakumar Yadav also needs to score runs. He has gotten out twice while playing that shot,” the former India captain added.
Gavaskar advised Suryakumar Yadav to settle in before attempting scoop shots.
“It’s his favorite shot. He has scored a lot of runs playing that shot. However, if you are getting out playing that shot, keep it in cold storage till you reach 20-25. After that, when you hit, it will go only for sixes,” he observed.
“Bumrah’s rhythm was spot on early” – Sunil Gavaskar on India’s bowling vs BAN
During the conversation, Sunil Gavaskar was also questioned about India securing a comfortable victory despite putting up a modest total.
“Whether our batters score runs or not, our team is capable of defending because of the variety in our bowling. Jasprit Bumrah’s rhythm was excellent at the start. Hardik also bowled extremely well,” he replied.
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