Gavaskar slams Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara for poor show in WTC final

India’s hopes in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia came to a sudden halt as wrong shot selections from Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara led to a significant drop in pace. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back his criticism, expressing his disappointment in his column for Mid-Day.

At 91 for one in the second innings, with a fast scoring rate, Rohit and Pujara dominated the Australian fast bowlers. However, when off-spinner Nathan Lyon came into the attack, working his way around the wicket, the situation changed. Lyon tried to restrict the flow of runs and found success. Determined not to let Lyon settle down, Rohit attempted a sweep shot, which proved fatal. The ball edged him in front, leaving him out for 43.

In the next over, Pujara, who displayed an unusual attacking intent, attempted a ramp shot off a Pat Cummins bouncer. Instead of escaping or going away, he handed the catch to Australia’s wicket-keeper. With these two unfortunate shots, India surrendered the momentum they had built.

Gavaskar expressed his surprise about Pujara’s shot selection in particular. He questioned why the usually patient batsman resorted to such unorthodox strokes, especially in the moments after Rohit’s dismissal. Gavaskar emphasized that, in a situation where saving wickets was more important than accumulating runs, the choice of Pujara was puzzling. He acknowledged that pressure can inspire unspeakable actions, underscoring the unique challenges presented by Test cricket, especially in a high-stakes competition like the WTC final.

Sunil Gavaskar is speaking his heart.

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— Arya Harish (@iAryaHarish) June 11, 2023

See also: ‘Go hammer West Indies 2-0, 3-0’ Sunil Gavaskar lashes out at India after their disastrous performance in WTC final

Although Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane managed to inflict more damage by the end of Day 4, the next morning saw a rapid collapse of India’s remaining seven wickets. Australia eventually won its first WTC title.

Gavaskar’s scathing criticism highlights the importance of shot selection at crucial moments of a match. The dismissals of Rohit and Pujara turned the tide in Australia’s favour, weakening India’s batting line-up. The outcome of these shots will no doubt inspire introspection and serve as a learning experience for the Indian team as they look to bounce back in future encounters.

See also: ‘You can’t ask..’ Gavaskar’s no-nonsense reply to Rohit Sharma’s request for a ‘3-match WTC final’