Sunil Gavaskar bashes Indian fans for creating controversy over Asia Cup squad selection

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has bashed the Indian fans for creating controversies. He had somewhat sent a stern message to the cricketing fans following the announcement of the Asia Cup 2023 squad, on Monday, 21 August. There were various discussions about Yuzvendra Chahal's exclusion from the squad.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and Indian Cricket Board chief selector Ajit Agarkar named the 17-member squad which will participate in the upcoming Asia Cup starting from August 30. During his analysis at a television show, Gavaskar had several points to make. He made it clear that the team is already selected and the fans should look to support them instead of creating 'controversy' over the choices.

Stop saying that he should have been picked or another should be there, this is a wrong mindset: Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar while speaking in Aaj Tak stated, "Yes, there are a few players who will believe that they are lucky. But the team is selected. So don't talk about Ashwin. Stop creating controversy. This is our team now. If you don't like it, don't watch the matches but stop saying that he should have been picked or another should be there, this is a wrong mindset."

While discussing the exclusion of the leg-spinner Chahal and wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson, the former skipper had an interesting point to make about them, he said, "If Sanju Samson had got more runs then he would have been a certainty in the team. So also with Chahal. But sometimes you are looking at the balance of the team. The selectors are sometimes hamstrung by the fact that they are looking at different aspects like fielding and what they can do with the bat."

Without naming any players who have not been picked, Gavaskar said no one can claim that they were wronged. "Yes, absolutely (this team can win the World Cup). Who else would you have picked? I don't think any player can claim that he has been an injustice to him. The experienced and in-form players have been selected in the 17-member Asia Cup squad."