After Pakistan’s dismal defeat against India in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash on Sunday, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar did not mince his words. The former India captain used a sharp phrase, calling Pakistan a “Popatwadi team.”

The expression, drawn from local cricket slang, is often used to describe a side considered weak or lacking strength. Gavaskar stressed the term while pointing out how far Pakistan cricket has fallen compared to its past standards and dominance. He further remarked that in his five-decade-long journey as a player and commentator, this current Pakistan side seems the least threatening he has ever seen. 

For him, it highlighted not just one defeat but the overall decline of Pakistan cricket, which once produced some of the game’s fiercest competitors and match-winners. His blunt remarks underscored the disappointment many feel about Pakistan’s struggles on the big stage.

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Sunil Gavaskar’s Remark on Pakistan Team After Their Embarrassing Defeat Against India:

Sunil Gavaskar began his international career in 1971 and, over the next 17 years, faced some of Pakistan’s most formidable cricketers. Legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Sarfaraz Nawaz, Zaheer Abbas, and Mudassar Nazar were among the opponents he often battled against during his playing days.

After retiring, Gavaskar moved into commentary and continued to witness Pakistan’s golden era, featuring stalwarts such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan. 

Now at 76, with decades of experience in the game, Gavaskar finds it hard to accept the dramatic decline in Pakistan’s cricketing standards compared to the glory days when they consistently produced world-class match-winners.

On Sony Sports Network, he said, “ I don't know whether Ajay [Jadeja], Viru [Virender Sehwag] or Irfan [Pathan] agree with me, but I have been following the Pakistan team from the 1960s – I remember I had once run all the way from Churchgate Station to the Wankhede Stadium to catch a glimpse of the great Hanif Mohammad.”

He added, “ From there, I have watched Pakistan cricket keenly. But today is the first time I felt that this is not a Pakistan team. Yeh koi Popatwadi team hai (This is some Popatwadi team).”

Sunny G: No chill edition 🤭🔥

Agree with his take on Pakistan?

Watch the #DPWorldAsiaCup2025, from Sept 9-28, 7 PM onwards, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/oPblRNgJBk

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 15, 2025

It is difficult to disagree with Sunil Gavaskar’s observations. The legendary Indian batter highlighted the growing gap between India and Pakistan, a contrast to the fierce contests of past decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan often had the upper hand over India, making their rivalry one of the most intense in cricket. 

However, times have changed drastically. India now clearly stands as the stronger side, consistently outplaying Pakistan across formats. Their latest triumph only added to the dominance, marking India’s 11th victory in the last 14 T20I meetings between the two nations, underlining their remarkable superiority.

Sunday’s clash was seen as a chance for Pakistan to script a new chapter, with mostly fresh faces on both sides. Yet, the result remained predictable. Unless something extraordinary happens, the outcome is likely to repeat when the arch-rivals meet again in the Super Fours.

Veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that India will make every effort to include Sanju Samson in the Playing XI during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, irrespective of the batting slot he is given. As Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain and tipped to open, fans and experts agreed that Sanju Samson’s place in the XI is up for debate now.

Gavaskar pointed out that it is difficult for the team management to decide the batting order and will have a tough time deciding between Sanju Samson’s ongoing form and Jitesh Sharma’s impressive performances during the IPL 2025, which facilitated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on their route to the title.

“I think it's a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three and, if needed, come down at six as a finisher. And Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL, where he's played exceedingly well. So yes, I think it's a pleasant headache for the tour selection committee,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Samson vs Jitesh: A selection dilemma

The former India skipper further explained that Samson’s presence in the squad makes it difficult to overlook him in the XI. “If you take somebody like Sanju Samson in the core team, then you can't leave him out in the reserves. But my feeling is that maybe Samson will probably get the nod ahead of Jitesh for at least the first couple of games. And then, depending on what his form is for the rest of the tournament. But this is what I think will happen,” he added.

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At the squad announcement, Jitesh Sharma was named as the first-choice wicketkeeper. However, Gavaskar stressed that Samson’s experience and leadership qualities make him invaluable. With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, the decision on who starts behind the stumps will be one of the key talking points for India.

The former Indian opening batter and captain of the national side, Sunil Gavaskar, has settled the selection debate between the two wicket-keeper batters of the side, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, ahead of the upcoming Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 09 in the UAE.

Gavaskar reckoned that Sanju Samson, despite his struggle in the five-match home T20I series against England earlier this year, would be the front-runner to get into the eleven. The Kerala batter has smashed a total of 861 T20I runs in 38 innings at a strike rate of 152.38 with two fifties and three centuries.

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“It’s a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three, and if needed, come down at six as a finisher. Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL. But my feeling is that Samson will probably get the nod.” Gavaskar expressed on Sony Sports Network.

Sunil Gavaskar picks Sanju Samson to get nod for India in Asia Cup 2025

Samson has been in tremendous form during the Kerala Premier League (KPL) 2025, having collected 368 runs in five innings at an average of 73.60 and a strike rate of 186.80 with 24 boundaries and 30 sixes. He isn’t expected to bat at the opening position after Shubman Gill getting the vice-captaincy.

“Looking at the way he batted in this T20 format in the IPL, it was a no-brainer. He has been very successful in the T20 format for the IPL, so there is no question that he has the capability of doing well in T20. In the kind of form that he is in, where he has scored more than 750 runs in the just concluded Test series.” Gavaskar addressed Sony Sports.

Jitesh Sharma, on the other hand, was in golden touch during the IPL 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), helping him earn the title. The right-handed batter has clubbed 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35 with one fifty.

At that time, it was a near impossible task to do. Sunil Gavaskar narrowly missed one of the biggest upsets in Indian cricket history. When India needed 438 runs, Gavaskar played a 221-run knock against all odds.

In their home ground, at The Oval, England was easily the favorite team to win the game, especially when they had bowlers like Bob Willis, Ian Botham, and Mike Hendrick. England got the advantage they were looking for when Team India batted poorly in the first innings against England's first innings of 305. In reply, the touring team was able to register only 202 runs on the board.

In the following innings, the host nation scored 334 runs for 8 wickets and set 438 runs as the target for India to win the match. The first three batters of India's batting order started the run chase strongly, as Chetan Chauhan got 80 and Dilip Vengsarkar struck a 52-run innings.

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India was only 10 runs away 

But it was the 'little master,' Sunil Gavaskar, who was on a mission to pull out one of the most astonishing wins in the history of cricket. Only for a few inches, England found itself in the safe zone. The hard-fought match settled for a draw. If India were able to score 10 more runs, then the result of the match would be different. To create the fighting 221-run innings, Gavaskar faced 443 balls and smashed 21 boundaries. 

Later, recalling the match, Yajurvindra Singh, the Indian No. 7 in the match, said that Gavaskar, then his roommate, said that evening that the wicket was so good that India was in with a chance. 

England vs India, 4th Test, The Oval, August 30 - September 04, 1979:

England: 305 and 334/8d

India: (T:438) 202 & 429/8

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has appealed to the cricketing community to avoid blaming players for participating in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, despite rising tensions with Pakistan. He emphasised that the athletes should not be held responsible for political or security concerns surrounding the tournament.

Gavaskar’s comments come amid calls to boycott the event following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of several tourists. The incident sparked widespread discussions on whether players should take part in matches involving Pakistan, given the sensitive security situation.

The discussion gained more traction after two scheduled India vs Pakistan games in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) were called off, further fueling the ongoing debate. Several former players, including Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh, refused to play, highlighting the controversy.

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Sunil Gavaskar urges fans not to fault players’ Asia Cup participation:

Sunil Gavaskar stressed that current players deserve respect for focusing on cricket and representing their nation professionally, without facing undue criticism. So, he emphasized that Indian team players do not make such decisions themselves. 

They strictly follow instructions issued by the BCCI and the Indian government, having no personal role in determining participation in events like the Asia Cup.

Gavaskar said, “ If the government has taken a call, I don't see how the players can be criticised or commented upon, because the players at the end of the day are contracted to the BCCI and they will be taking the instructions from the government of India. And so it entirely depends on that.”

He further said, “ The players are helpless in this. They've been selected to play in the Asia Cup, and if the government says you have to play, then they will go out and play. If the government says you don't, then the BCCI will act accordingly.”

When questioned about whether Indian players should withdraw from matches against Pakistan, Gavaskar clarified that such decisions rest solely with the Indian government, and the team will follow whatever directive is issued. He added, “ Like I said, it is entirely up to the government of India to tell the BCCI what to do.”

India’s Road in Asia Cup 2025:

India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 journey against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai. India’s eagerly awaited showdown with Pakistan will be played on September 14 in Dubai, followed by their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

After the group stage, the Asia Cup 2025 will move into the Super 4 phase, where the leading two teams from each group qualify. Should India secure the top spot in Group A, all their Super 4 fixtures are scheduled to be played in Dubai, giving them consistent conditions throughout this crucial stage of the tournament.

If India ends up second in Group A, they will play one Super 4 match in Abu Dhabi, while the remaining two fixtures will still be hosted in Dubai. The Super 4 stage runs from September 20 to 26, with the final scheduled in Dubai on September 28.

The former Indian captain and the opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, raised his voice a few days ago on Jasprit Bumrah getting managed for his workload by the BCCI selectors. His statement came after the Ahmedabad-born missed the fifth and final red-ball clash against England at Kennington Oval.

Gavaskar now wants the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to avoid Bumrah’s services for the bilateral white-ball series in Australia and the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. He desires to see the Ahmedabad-born in full rhythm for the upcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies in October. The former opener still felt that Bumrah could have played the fifth Oval affair.

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“Nobody is indispensable. That’s why it is of prime importance for the selectors to now decide when Jasprit Bumrah should be playing. There's already been a lot of debate about his appearances in the recently concluded series in England. To be fair, he had informed the selection committee that he could play only three Tests out of the five.” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-day.

Sunil Gavaskar wants India to rest Jasprit Bumrah for white-ball bilateral series  

The Ahmedabad-born has picked up 219 Test wickets in 91 innings at an average of under 20 and a strike rate of 42.6 with the help of 15 five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 6/27 in an innings. During the England trip, the right-arm pacer earned 14 wickets in three games, including two fifers.

“The debate that has generated some heat is whether he should have played the last must-win Test match, especially since it was the grassiest pitch at the Oval in a long time. The next Test match was in early October, and so there were two clear months for him to rest and recover in time for that. The Indian team management stated that he wasn't picked considering his future.” The Mumbai-born addressed.

“That's why now comes the tricky decision for the selectors. What is more important? Qualifying for the World Test Championship or playing some bilateral white ball games, which have no bearing at all. If India has to qualify for the WTC, then Jasprit Bumrah, being the premier fast bowler in the game, has to play in the four Tests that India have lined up between early October and late November.” Gavaskar concluded.

After the tireless Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where the new Indian Test captain Shubman Gill won the Player of the Series award for India after ending the series as the leading run-scorer, he isn't taking a long rest, as he is ready to lead North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar reacted to this latest news.

It was quite surprising that the Indian Test captain Shubman Gill decided to play the Duleep Trophy 2025-26, where he will lead North Zone, and they will start the tournament from the Quarter-final round with the match against East Zone. The 25-year-old cricketer scored 754 runs in 10 innings in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England with the help of four centuries, including one double-hundred. As that five-match Test series was a very busy schedule, which India drew 2-2, Gill's presence in the upcoming Duleep Trophy was quite unexpected, which will start from August 28. 

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The Indian skipper is sending the right signal: Sunil Gavaskar on Shubman Gill's presence in Duleep Trophy

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is very happy with Gill's decision to appear in the Duleep Trophy. The former Indian captain believes that it sends the right signal to the entire team. 

In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar expressed his feeling by writing, “Shubman Gill, captaining the North Zone team, is a massive shot in the arm for this tournament. By being available, the Indian skipper is sending the right signal to the other members of the team. It would have been understandable if, after a gruelling tour where five Test matches were crammed into a little over six weeks, he had opted to rest."

The fast bowlers not playing is good thinking: Sunil Gavaskar

On the other hand, the Indian fast bowlers, who were present in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, are mostly not playing in the upcoming Duleep Trophy season. Gavaskar feels it is a sensible decision that these pacers will not be present in the forthcoming Zonal tournament. 

Gavaskar added, “The fast bowlers not playing is good thinking, as it has been an unusually hot summer in England, thanks to global warming, and their energies must have been expended after the untiring spells they bowled throughout the series.” 

As the Indian national team players are prioritizing domestic cricket, it is massive news. Last season, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, etc., returned to the Ranji Trophy. While India failed to reach the Final of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, after reaching the first two Finals and finishing as the runners-up on both occasions, the Indian red-ball team now seems serious and desperate to participate in the next ICC WTC Final to get a chance to win it for the first time. 

Sunil Gavaskar erupted in joy in the commentary box, showing his white jacket, a lucky jacket. It was the same jacket that Gavaskar used during the Gabba Test and now at The Oval. Two famous victories, one white jacket. When Team India was celebrating at the middle of the ground after bowling out Gus Atkinson, the last hope for the home team, Gavaskar was then doing his commentary work with Cheteshwar Pujara.

The vibe inside the commentary box got more cheerful when Gavaskar grabbed the mic and, in a most pumped-up manner, said that he promised India captain Shubman Gill that he would wear the lucky jacket if India got to win. And India won. Won in a most dramatic fashion. 

Day 5 lasted only about one hour before Mohammed Siraj plucked the last scalp of the England cricket team. England was by far the favorite to win the match and the series when Joe Root and Harry Brook were batting in the middle. The moment shifted suddenly after the dismissal of Brook and the Root. England's lower-order batting collapsed.

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Watch the exciting moment of Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box

SUNNY G WITH HIS LUCKY JACKET
HE ALSO WORE IT AT GABBA #INDvsEND #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #TestCricket #MohammedSiraj #ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/NQRj2HryYf

— INDIAN (@indian_Cricket4) August 4, 2025

Mohammed Siraj came over the stumps and delivered a yorker straight like an arrow, aimed at the off stump. Gus Atkinson went low and tried to drag it to the leg side with a sweep shot but missed, and the ball uprooted the off stump. Siraj completed a 5-for in this innings. India won the match by 6 runs and shaped the scoreline of the 5-match Anderson-Tendulkar trophy to 2-2. 

After Day 4, the home team needed only 35 runs to win, with still 4 wickets in hand. In the end, the men in blue emerged as the winner of the match. 

Joe Root played another brilliant innings, scoring his 39th Test hundred and proving once again why he’s one of the best in the modern game. On Day 4 of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, he reached the milestone in 137 balls, guiding England closer to a big series win.

It was a special moment. With “Rooooooot” echoing around the ground, the 34‑year‑old tucked the ball towards long leg, ran two, lifted his bat to the dressing room, then pulled out a headband and pointed to the sky in tribute to Graham Thorpe.

 His proud parents stood in the stands, applauding their son. This was Root’s 13th hundred against India the most by any batter going past Steve Smith’s 11. He also overtook Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 38 Test centuries, now standing behind only Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41). Root also became the first player to score more than 6,000 runs in the World Test Championship. In his 69 WTC matches, he has 21 hundreds and 23 fifties, showing unmatched consistency.

Chasing 374 to win the series 3‑1, Root took charge after Harry Brook’s quick 111. He reached his fifty with a neat push to deep backward square leg and kept finding the gaps, frustrating India’s bowlers. His calm approach and smart batting kept England in control. His hundred put him level with Sunil Gavaskar for most Test hundreds against one team (13), with only Don Bradman’s 19 against England ahead. In all formats, it was his 16th century against India, matching Steve Smith.

Root’s knock also added to the record for most hundreds in a five‑Test series 21 in total equalling the 1955 Australia vs West Indies series. It was not just another century; it showed once again his ability to shine in big moments and take the game away from the opposition. He finally fell to Prasidh Krishna for 105 in the last ball of the 73rd over, but by then, England were well on their way to sealing the series.

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Twitter reactions after Joe Root Brings Up 39th Test Ton

For Thorpey ❤️

An incredible touch of class from Joe Root after reaching his 39th Test century. #BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/AxK7atPsP0

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 3, 2025

TEST CENTURY NO. 39 FOR JOE ROOT! 💯

England's greatest just keeps delivering! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ys1e4ydkSu

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 3, 2025

𝐉𝐨𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭’𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💪

His 39th Test ton comes under pressure — but the English maestro makes it look effortless! 🤍🏟️💯#JoeRoot #Tests #ENGvIND #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/HbyfaPlw3R

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 3, 2025

𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 — 𝐉𝐨𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👑

Another ton in the bag — his 39th and counting... 🤍💯

When Root's at the crease, royalty meets reliability! 👌✨#JoeRoot #Tests #ENGvIND #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/FtEtuR3UDt

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 3, 2025

39th Test century for Joe Root and this one is a tribute to Graham Thorpe 💙 pic.twitter.com/pFWASyzfbG

— AYESHA (@JoeRoot66Fan) August 3, 2025

Test hundred No.39 for Joe Root 🙌#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Jta75JjnS0

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) August 3, 2025

Joe Root gets to three figures once again, 39 Test tons now, and a jaw-dropping 13 against India! 🔥

Along with Harry Brook, he’s not just anchoring this chase… he’s dominating it 🙇‍♂️#JoeRoot #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/VZDMMQ39M8

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) August 3, 2025

The third day of the fifth Test in the five-match Test series between England and India at the Kennington Oval was built with an anticipation of the Indian captain Shubman Gill breaking the record of Sunil Gavaskar, who has the most runs for India in a red-ball series. Gill finished 20 runs short of the record, where Gavaskar got 774 runs in the West Indies.

Shubman Gill has now topped the list of most runs for a visiting captain in a Test series, overtaking Garry Sobers’ 722 runs in 1966. The Punjab-born became the first visiting captain to hit four Test centuries in a series. At Edgbaston, he thumped the second most runs in a Test match with 430, under Graham Gooch’s 466 runs.

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‘You know, in anticipation of him going past my record, I got something for him. But, I mean, this is all in God’s hands. However, 754 runs is fantastic. The difference is that the 754 runs have come in addition to the captaincy. Mine was different. I was a baby in the team. It would not have mattered. If I failed, nobody would have given a hoot about me.’ Sunil Gavaskar expressed on Sony Sports.

Watch: Sunil Gavaskar comments on Shubman Gill’s 754 runs during ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

‘But to be the captain, and score 750+ runs, and those 750+ runs are making a difference to his side’s fortune. That was special. Don’t go by those 20 runs. Just see what those 754 runs have done for Indian cricket.’ He added on the Indian captain, who became the first player to hit a double century and a 150+ score in a Test match.

Sunil Gavaskar about Shubman Gill's 754 runs series.#SunilGavaskar #ShubmanGill #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/vVQOkZYq7A

— R 🤍 (@cricketnbooks) August 3, 2025

Gill became the fourth player to hit 700+ runs in a Test series without a fifty. His 269 runs at Edgbaston were also the highest score for an Indian captain in the longest format. Gill is also the third Indian captain to hit twin centuries in a Test match, along with Gavaskar and Virat Kohli.

Gill became the fifth player to score a double in Tests and ODIs, and he now has the highest individual score of 269 at number four. He also ended as the third Indian captain to hit twin centuries in a Test match alongside Gill and Gavaskar.