Sunil Gavaskar has launched a sharp attack on foreign commentators who criticized India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, telling them to “focus on your country’s cricket—let us worry about ours.” The former India captain made his remarks in response to what he sees as an unnecessary intrusion into India’s selection decisions, particularly around the inclusion and omission of certain players.
Gavaskar’s frustration stems from the growing trend of overseas pundits weighing in on Indian cricket whenever a major tournament approaches. He argued that these voices neither understand the domestic context nor have any role in shaping Indian cricket policy, making their opinions irrelevant. According to Gavaskar, the Indian cricket system has matured enough to manage its own affairs without external validation or judgment.
The batting legend also criticized the Indian media for amplifying these foreign opinions instead of relying on local experts. In his view, this reflects an unnecessary inferiority complex, as Indian cricket does not interfere with other countries’ selection matters. “Why should they poke their noses into our decisions?” Gavaskar asked rhetorically, asserting that the same scrutiny is rarely applied to their own national teams.
While some of the criticism focused on omissions like Shreyas Iyer and debates over the batting lineup, Gavaskar made it clear that such matters are for Indian selectors, coaches, and stakeholders to handle—not outsiders. He believes that seeking external commentary dilutes the autonomy and confidence Indian cricket should project on the global stage.
Gavaskar also suggested that many of these remarks by overseas commentators are performative, aimed more at generating headlines and social media engagement than providing constructive analysis. He dismissed these critiques as superficial, often lacking the depth or familiarity required to understand the nuances of Indian cricket’s selection strategy.
The timing of Gavaskar’s comments is significant. With the Asia Cup just around the corner, speculation and scrutiny over player roles have intensified, making his message a firm reminder that cricket is not just about what happens on the field but also about who controls the narrative off it.
Ultimately, his stance underscores a call for self-reliance in cricket discourse. Indian cricket, now one of the most powerful entities in the sport, has little need to justify its choices to external critics. For Gavaskar, the priority is clear: let the team do its talking on the pitch, while those outside India’s cricketing ecosystem keep their commentary focused on their own backyard.
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