"Don't talk about Australia now": Sunil Gavaskar's on-air outburst at Dinesh Karthik stuns everyone

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his frustration, as discussions shifted to India’s upcoming tour of Australia while the national team was battling a dire situation against New Zealand in the ongoing second Test in Pune.

On Day 2 of the ongoing second Test at the MCA Stadium in Pune, the New Zealand cricket team extended their lead to over 300 runs against Team India. Given that Gavaskar made it clear that the priority should be the ongoing match rather than the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.

Sunil Gavaskar slams Dinesh Karthik over shift in focus to Australia tour amidst India’s struggles against New Zealand

Actually, the former Indian captain’s broadcast partner and former wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik, sparked the frustration by mentioning the significance of the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

But Gavaskar quickly intervened, as he stressed the importance of concentrating on the present challenges India has been facing against New Zealand on the home conditions.

As the Kiwis took over a 300-run lead in the ongoing Pune Test, Dinesh Karthik said on-air, “There is a big series coming up against Australia as well," and Gavaskar was quick to intervene with the commentator by highlighting the urgency of staying in the present, as the hosts are struggling to challenge the Kiwis.

Don't talk about Australia now: Sunil Gavaskar to Dinesh Karthik

For the first time in over 30 years, the high-profile Australia vs India Test series will feature five matches. So, the cricket world is eagerly waiting for the high-octan series, but the legendary cricketer stressed the need to focus on how India is playing against New Zealand.

Sunil Gavaskar said on air, “Don't talk about Australia now. That is a mistake that a lot of people often make. You've got to worry about what's happening now. Your focus should be only on what's happening at the moment. Australia will take care of itself. When you go there, you will find the methods to beat Australia. You've done that over the last couple of trips there. You found a way.”

Sunil Gavaskar criticizes media buzz around India's tour of Australia

There is so much hype about the upcoming five-match Test series, especially in Australian media, and former players have been frequently making comments on the Indian players and team selections for the Test tour.

Slamming the social media chatter, especially Australians, Gavaskar said that Indians should also start suggesting to Australians about which player they should pick for the Ashes series against England.

Sunil Gavaskar signed off by saying, “It's not the players. The players are focused on the game. It's the circle around which is the media and everybody else that is talking about Australia. There is so much coverage about what is going to happen in Australia. The Australian players are all the time talking about the Indian team, what should be the team, and all that. Pick him, pick that player. No one is asking us about the Australian team. All the former Australian players are telling us to pick this guy, that guy. Ask us too who should be in the Australian team.”