With India’s massive defeat by 408 runs during the second Test of the two-match series against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, they have faced their second whitewash in the history of the format at home in the last three attempts. They have dropped to the fifth position in the WTC 2025-27 points table.

The criticism has been on their head coach, Gautam Gambhir, seeking his sacking by the BCCI. Now, that’s where the former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has stood beside the Delhi-born as he reckoned that it would also be up to the players to deliver in the middle.

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“He is a coach. A coach can prepare a team, and a coach can only guide and share his experience. But it’s out there in the middle that the players will have to deliver. Now, those who are asking and putting him to be accountable, I have a counter question for them. What did you do when India won the Champions Trophy under him? What did you do when India won the Asia Cup?” Gavaskar expressed in a live show on ‘India Today.’

Sunil Gavaskar stands beside Gautam Gambhir despite India’s 0-2 series defeat to South Africa

Gavaskar questioned whether anyone called for an extension of Gambhir’s coaching after India’s success in the Champions Trophy and T20 cricket. The Indian head coach himself claimed that it would be up to the BCCI to take a call on his future as he would always think about Indian cricket at first hand.

🚨 Gavaskar lashes out at GG haters 🎯

“A coach can prep you, guide you, share all his experience… but once you step on those 22 yards, it’s the players who have to deliver. If you didn’t give Gambhir credit for the CT25 🏆 or the Asia Cup 🥇, why blame him now? You can’t… pic.twitter.com/0Oagwx6wF1

— Pitch Perfect (@_pitch__perfect) November 27, 2025

“Now, people are asking for Gambhir to get sacked. Back then, did you say that he should have been given an extended contract? Or did you ask for a contract for life in one-day cricket or maybe T20 cricket? You didn’t say that. Only when the team doesn’t do well, you always look at the coach.” Gavaskar added in that live show.

“It is for the BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well, Indian cricket is important, I am not important. I am the same guy who got results in England, won the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. This is a team that is learning. The blame lies with everyone and starts with me.” Gautam Gambhir spoke in the post-match press conference.

The former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has made a sharp attack on the blatant double standards in the global pitch debate from the opening Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata between India and South Africa, compared to what happened in the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. His comments came after 32 wickets tumbled in the two-day finish of the game.

Sunil Gavaskar’s frustration stems from the contrast in reactions. Only a week earlier, the Eden Gardens surface was criticized after India lost the contest by 30 runs while chasing 124 in the fourth innings on the third day of the contest. Michael Vaughan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Anil Kumble, and many slammed the surface but remained tight-lipped for Perth.

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“The Perth Test match has ended in less than two days, with 32 wickets having fallen, including 19 on the first day, but as yet there’s not a word of criticism about the pitch there. Last year too, 17 wickets fell on Day One at Perth between India and Australia, and I can’t recall a critical word about the pitch, which had more grass on it than usual.” Gavaskar wrote in his column.

Sunil Gavaskar calls out double standard on Perth and Kolkata surfaces

Gavaskar welcomed the fact that some recently retired Indian cricketers finally started to raise questions about 19 wickets falling on the single, which was the opening day, of the first Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth before it ended on the following day.

The same was the case in Sydney, where 15 wickets fell on Day One. The argument, as enumerated by the curator in Perth last year, was: ‘This is Perth, Australia, and you will get bounce.’ Fine — but then, when the pitch affords turn, why can’t it be accepted that this is India and there will be turn?” Gavaskar penned down.

“If you complain about the bounce, then the counter-argument is that you can’t play fast bowling. Why is there never a counter-argument that you can’t play spin bowling when the pitch affords turn in India?” The former Indian captain concluded.

The former Indian captain and the opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, has blasted at the Indian team’s approach during the opening Test of the two-match series against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where they experienced a defeat by 30 runs, having been bundled out for just 93 runs in the fourth innings in a chase of 124 runs.

In his column, Gavaskar has written that the defeat has reflected the management’s reluctance to trust the domestic heavy run scorers and the tendency of international players to spend little time on the domestic pitches. It was India’s fourth home Test loss in the last six affairs.

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“The defeat to South Africa will hopefully open the eyes of those who matter to look at the heavy scorers in domestic cricket, who are used to playing on pitches where the ball spins and keeps low. The international players are so busy playing overseas that they do not have practice playing on domestic pitches, and so are found wanting.” Gavaskar expressed in his column.

Sunil Gavaskar turns red-faced on India’s timid approach in home South Africa Test in Kolkata

Gavaskar also took a dig at Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar’s continued backing of Nitish Kumar Reddy as a Test all-rounder. Without taking his name, he addressed that a true all-rounder would have the skill to feature both as a batter and bowler.

“Test batting demands patience and, more importantly, the willingness to leave your ego in the changing room. It does not matter if you get beaten and rapped on the leg guards. You do not have to try to knock the ball out of the ground to show who is the boss. The only boss is the one who stays humble and accepts that at this level, the bowler will beat you, and so waits a bit till the scoreable ball comes along.” The former Indian batter wrote.

“India also needs to understand the difference between a Test all-rounder and a limited-overs all-rounder. A genuine Test all-rounder is someone who could make the eleven solely as a batter or as a bowler. A player who only offers a few overs or a few runs is not what Test cricket demands.” Gavaskar penned down.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the India Women's Cricket team secured their maiden ICC World Cup 2025 global title a week ago, defeating South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma’s celebrated all-rounder half-centuries posted a huge match-winning score on the board, while Laura Wolvaardt’s century wasn't enough to complete the chase against the determined Women in Blue.

The former Indian opener, Sunil Gavaskar, delivered a stark warning to the Women in Blue, reckoning the players shouldn't expect every cash prize promise made after their ICC World Cup 2025 triumph. He recalled how the 1983 World Cup victory against England was followed by wide media coverage and plenty of empty promises and incentives that never materialized for that global title-winning team.

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“(It’s) just a word of caution to the girls. Please don’t get disappointed if some of the promised awards don’t come to you. In India, advertisers, brands, and individuals are quick to jump on the bandwagon and try to get free publicity for themselves on the shoulders of the winners.” Gavaskar wrote in his column.

Sunil Gavaskar compares India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 victory with 1983 experience

India Women began their ICC World Cup 2025 campaign with two league stage wins before three successive defeats to Australia, South Africa, and England nearly caused elimination. Their resurgence began with a crucial win over New Zealand, powering them to a knockout stage semi-final triumph over Australia, culminating in the final victory over the Proteas.

“Have a look at the full-page advertising and hoardings congratulating the team. Unless they are team and individual players’ sponsors, the rest are only trying to promote their brands or themselves and giving nothing to the ones who have brought glory to Indian cricket.” Gavaskar added in his column.

“The 1983 team also made many promises with loads of coverage in the media then. Almost all never materialized. The media can’t be blamed, as they were happy to carry the lofty announcements, not realizing that they also were being used by these shameless people. So girls, don’t fret if these shameless ones are using your win to promote themselves.” The former Indian opening batter shed light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Gavaskar's warning to the Women's World Cup winners?

Gavaskar warned the team not to expect every promised cash prize to materialize, based on his experience with "empty promises" after the 1983 World Cup.

Why did Gavaskar compare the win to the 1983 World Cup?

He compared the situations because in both instances, advertisers and brands immediately sought free publicity using the team's success without fulfilling promised rewards.

Which players starred in the World Cup 2025 final victory?

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma scored half-centuries to post the match-winning total, securing the victory against South Africa.

What caused India's near elimination in the World Cup 2025?

India's campaign nearly ended after they suffered three successive league stage defeats against Australia, South Africa, and England.

On the eve of India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 final against South Africa, the former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, promised Jemimah Rodrigues of singing a duet with her if they went on to lift the trophy. She played an incredible knock of unbeaten 127 runs against Australia in the semifinal as they pulled off the biggest chase.

Following India’s triumph, Jemimah Rodrigues, took to Instagram and shared a video message for Gavaskar, saying she was prepared with the guitar and asked for a jamming session with Gavaskar, who later posted a video to confirm the date for the duet song.

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“Hi Jemimah. Firstly, many congratulations to you and your team for winning the ICC Women's World Cup. That has been a tremendous moment. A moment to cherish, a moment to savor, a moment for the ages. And for all the happiness and joy that you've given the Indian cricketing community and the Indian cricket fans. We can't thank you enough.” Gavaskar expressed in a video on Instagram.

Watch: Sunil Gavaskar asks Jemimah Rodrigues to confirm dates for duet concert

Gavaskar congratulated the Indian women’s side for the success and also informed that he couldn’t sing the song he prepared because he didn't have permission to enter the dressing room. In the final, India restricted the Proteas to 246 to claim a victory by 52 runs.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskarsunilofficial)

“Yes, I do remember saying that if we win the World Cup, and I was always confident that you were going to do that, that you would play the guitar, and I would sing the song. The song, of course, is up to you, which one? I had a song prepared in case I was able to get you to the change room, but of course, I didn't have the accreditation to be there.” Gavaskar addressed.

“This weekend, maybe, Saturday or Sunday. Saturday, the Indian team is playing in Australia, so maybe you want to do it on Saturday evening or Sunday after the game. Entirely up to you. Do let me know. Looking forward to doing that.” The former Indian captain concluded.

Star India cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has given a cheerful response to legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar’s lighthearted request to sing a song with her. On October 30, after India’s thrilling semi-final win against Australia in the Women’s World Cup 2025, where Jemimah played a match-winning knock of an unbeaten 127 runs, Gavaskar made a fun promise during a discussion on India Today. The cricket legend said that if India went on to win the World Cup, he would love to sing a song with Jemimah.

Gavaskar had said, “All I can say is that if India wins the World Cup, she (Jemi) and I, if she’s okay to do that, we will sing a song together, she with her guitar and I will sing a song.” India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, fulfilled that dream on November 2 by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, to lift the prestigious trophy.

Just two days after India’s historic win, on Tuesday, November 4, Jemimah Rodrigues took to Instagram to respond to Gavaskar’s message. She wrote, “Hi, Sunil Gavaskar sir. I saw your message and you said that if India win the World Cup, we will both sing a song together. So, I’m ready with my guitar, hope you are ready with your mic. Lots of love sir, thank you for everything.” Fans are now eagerly waiting to see the two cricket icons share the stage for this much-anticipated duet.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ Key Role in India’s World Cup Triumph

Jemimah Rodrigues was one of India’s key players of the Women’s World Cup 2025. The right-handed batswoman played eight matches, scoring a total of 292 runs across seven innings, impressively averaging 58.40 and with a strike rate of 101.03. Her best outing was in the semi-final against Australia, where she scored an unbeaten 127 runs to guide India to a record 339 run chase, the highest successful pursuit in Women’s ODI history.

Watch the video here

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues (@jemimahrodrigues)

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Overall, the age 25 has also been one of India’s most consistent performers, having represented her national side in 59 ODIs for 1,749 runs in 56 innings at an average of 34.98 and a strike rate of 89.83. Jemimah has also scored eight fifties and three hundreds and continues to grow as a bright star of Indian cricket, on and off the field.

India’s former opening batter and coach, Sunil Gavaskar, was furious after he learnt that two Australian women cricketers faced harassment in Indore during the Women’s World Cup 2025. It happened on the eve of their game at the Holkar Stadium against South Africa, where the two players were touched inappropriately by a person on a motorcycle as they were strolling to a café. 

Gavaskar believes that incidents like these will tear the image of the nation, and the accused should face severe punishment. During an interaction with India Today, the former captain hopes to see the guilty person punished.

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“Yes, I think because we are famous for Atithi Devo Bhava, to hear of this is very, very sad. It is, without question, a heinous incident. The law will take its course, but I do hope that the guilty person is punished severely – you lock them up and throw away the key. That’s the only way, I think. Just lock him up and throw the keys away.” Gavaskar expressed on India Today.

Sunil Gavaskar furious at Australian women players facing harassment in Women’s World Cup 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Devajit Saikia, condemned the unfortunate incident as he also thanked the Madhya Pradesh police for arresting the accused and asked the security to get more tightened.

“It is a very condemnable but stray incident. India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. We appreciate the Madhya Pradesh Police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit. We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security.” Saikia expressed in an official statement.

“No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone at MPCA, who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and the dignity of women. It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience.” MPCA revealed in a statement.

Former India captain Virat Kohli looked in sublime touch during India’s practice session ahead of the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, scheduled for Thursday, October 23. After a rare failure in the series opener in Perth, where he was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc, Kohli spent extended time in the nets fine-tuning his technique, particularly focusing on playing on the front foot and timing through the off side.

This marks Kohli’s first international assignment since leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title earlier this year. Having retired from T20Is and Test cricket, the veteran batter now plays exclusively in ODIs and has been a vital presence in India’s setup. The ongoing series also comes after India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier in 2025, adding further motivation for the side to continue their winning form.

Kohli’s track record in Adelaide offers plenty of encouragement for Indian fans. In four ODI innings at the venue, he has scored 244 runs at an impressive average of 61. Across all formats, he has piled up 975 runs at the ground, with five centuries and four fifties to his name. A strong innings in the upcoming game could see him surpass Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Kohli currently sits on 14,181 runs, just 54 shy of the Sri Lankan legend’s tally of 14,234.

Watch the video:

Virat Kohli looking in great touch the day before the 2nd ODI!@rohitjuglan #ViratKohli #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/YlB4bNwNri

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 22, 2025

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Gavaskar backs Kohli and Rohit to bounce back on familiar Adelaide surface

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar also came out in support of Kohli and Rohit Sharma following their low scores in Perth. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Gavaskar noted that the pitch in the opening ODI was among the bounciest in Australia, which made stroke-making difficult for players returning from a short international break.

“India are still a very strong team. They have won the Champions Trophy recently, and I won’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two games,” Gavaskar said. With Kohli eyeing a personal milestone and India aiming to level the series, all eyes will be on the Adelaide Oval as the Men in Blue look to bounce back strongly against Australia.

The former Indian opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, has blamed the fans of Indian cricket for spreading a false claim of how the former ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, has deliberately underperformed under the new leadership of Shubman Gill during the opening 50-over clash against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Gavaskar felt that the misconception is far from the truth. He also revealed that similar things had also been made in the past. Rohit Sharma returned with a struggling score of eight runs in the middle after he ended up getting an outside edge into the slip region.

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“Over the years, a significant misconception among Indian cricket fans is that if a player is replaced as captain, he will attempt to undermine the new captain by not performing to the best of his ability. Nothing can be further from the truth, for the simple fact is that if a captain has been replaced and then doesn’t perform, he could be out of the team altogether.” Gavaskar wrote in his column on Sportstar.

Sunil Gavaskar slams Indian fans for their misconception about former Indian captains

Along with Rohit, Virat Kohli was dismissed for an eight-ball duck in the middle. The right-handed batter couldn’t keep the ball on the ground when he went for a flashing drive and was caught by the backward point fielder.

“So, no player, however aggrieved he may feel at losing the captaincy, is ever going to underperform deliberately. With that misconception still going strong, many are questioning if young Shubman Gill will be able to handle two former captains, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are part of the three-match One-Day International series against Australia.” The former opener addressed.

“Gill has gone out of his way to say that his equation with them hasn’t changed simply because he is the captain now. If anything, he will only benefit by having these two stalwarts by his side. Both would be happy to offer suggestions if asked, and what could be better for a captain leading in this format for the first time than to have two of the greatest ODI players playing in his team?” Gavaskar concluded.

The former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has dropped a massive statement on the two former captains, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, after the duo failed in the opening ODI of the three-match series against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. He revealed that it would challenging for those two, who haven’t played for six months.

Rohit Sharma and Kohli’s last fixture for the Blue Brigade came during the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against New Zealand. They played the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for their respective franchises before taking retirement from the longest format ahead of the England series in the United Kingdom.

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“They were playing on probably the bounciest pitch in Australia. It wasn’t going be easy, especially for players who haven’t played international cricket for a couple of months. It was challenging even for Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who play regularly.” Sunil Gavaskar expressed as quoted by the India Today.

Sunil Gavaskar expects big scores from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in last two ODIs vs Australia

Rohit started well with a single on the very first delivery of the innings before driving Josh Hazlewood for a beautiful straight boundary past the bowler. He, however, looked in good shape with the bat in the small knock before getting an outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder for eight runs.

On the other hand, Kohli failed to open his account in the eight-ball stay. He missed the flashing drive before misjudging the length ball into the hands of the backward point region. The Indian crowd went silent as it was a failure for both batters. Gavaskar, however, reckoned that both could make a fine comeback in the next two games.

“India are still a very good team. Don’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two games. The more they play, the more time they spend in the nets, the quicker they will find their rhythm. Once they are back among the runs, India’s total will be 300 or 300-plus.” Gavaskar concluded.