On Day 4 of the Brisbane Test between India and Australia, Mohammed Siraj found himself at the center of criticism from Sunil Gavaskar for his questionable decision-making during a crucial moment in the 62nd over.

What happened?

During Pat Cummins’ over, Ravindra Jadeja was focused on shielding Siraj from facing too many deliveries, as Siraj was a lower-order batsman. Jadeja carefully faced the first four balls, intending to take most of the strike to build a good score for India. However, the last two balls had to be faced by Siraj.

On the 5th ball, Siraj tapped a delivery between extra cover and cover and looked for a single, despite there being close fielders around. Jadeja, realizing there was no run, sent him back. However, when the fielder’s throw missed the stumps, Siraj ran for an overthrow, surprising Jadeja. Siraj quickly attempted for 1 run after the overthrow, moving to the non-striker’s end, leaving Jadeja puzzled.

Sunil Gavaskar questions Siraj's cricketing sense

Sunil Gavaskar, who was on commentary at the time, strongly criticized Siraj’s behavior. Gavaskar remarked, “He has no cricketing sense. He should have played the two balls for his team.” He further pointed out the lack of awareness in Siraj’s decision, emphasizing that Jadeja, as the set batsman, should have been allowed to face more deliveries in the next over.

The outcome of Siraj’s actions proved costly. In the very next over, bowled by Mitchell Starc, Siraj faced several bouncers and was dismissed on the last ball, caught behind after edging a delivery.