Sunil Gavaskar avoids involvement in political controversy over Rohit Sharma
Published - 04 Mar 2025, 02:38 PM | Updated - 04 Mar 2025, 02:39 PM
Table of Contents
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has shockingly refused to comment on Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s recent controversial comments on Rohit Sharma. However, Sunil Gavaskar has shared his thoughts on the so-called term fitness in cricket and Rohit Sharma’s captaincy amidst the ongoing debate among the politicians and cricket fraternity.
Gavaskar brushed off the political controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma, making it clear that he had no interest in engaging with such distractions. He emphasized that cricket has always been a topic of discussion, but he refused to be drawn into unnecessary debates.
Sunil Gavaskar shuts down political controversy over Rohit Sharma
Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by India Today, “You said political, so to ask me who's been completely apolitical, because honestly, I think there are so many people who will have so many things to say about cricket and cricketers. It's been there for such a long time, and I don't think I'm going to get into reacting to what A or B or C or D says.”
Reacting to Shama Mohamed's remark that Rohit is an unimpressive Indian captain, Gavaskar highlighted the seasoned opener’s success in leading India to the 2023 World Cup final, winning the T20 World Cup 2024, and securing five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians as a captain.
He noted, “Look, his results speak for themselves. As a leader, he's done what is expected of him on the field.”
Sunil Gavaskar says performance matters, not body size
Addressing the fitness debate surrounding Rohit, the legendary batter has dismissed concerns about weight and physical appearance. He emphasized that true fitness should be judged by performance—whether a batter can bat for long hours or a bowler can deliver extended spells.
Reflecting on his playing days, Gavaskar has noted that gym training wasn’t a priority, but the stamina of a player on the field mattered most during his playing days. The former Indian skipper urged critics to focus on runs and wickets rather than any player’s body size, stressing that results should define a player's fitness.
Gavaskar said during the same discussion: “Fitness mattered during our time as well. But we were not in that sphere of thinking where you had to be slim and trim. I mean, the bat should do the talking, the ball should do the talking, and the results will be seen.”
Read Also: "Is it a joke?." - Sunil Gavaskar launches a massive attack on Pakistan Cricket
Sunil Gavaskar backs India to win ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, Gavaskar believes that India is a strong favorite to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after their dominant win over New Zealand in the last group match. He praised the team's balance, batting depth, and flexibility in adjusting the batting order, citing Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel’s promotions. He also hailed India's quality bowling options and outstanding fielding.
Gavaskar further explained, “Definitely. With a kind of balance that this team has, the kind of batting depth it has. The team has got six bowlers who are capable of bowling ten overs each. It covers for somebody who might be out of rhythm on that particular day, might not be bowling well, so his quota of overs can be bowled by the sixth option.
So that way the Indian team is really well covered, and they've been fielding outstandingly also. So, they have every chance to win the trophy.”
It does exist: Sunil Gavaskar on India having advantage in ICC Champions Trophy
He also reacted to the buzz of India having the advantage of playing all matches in Dubai in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Gavaskar acknowledged that staying in one place gives India a slight advantage, but he emphasized that winning matches depends on performance.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Well, it does exist. But, at the end of the day on the field, you have to bat better than the opposition, you have to bowl better than the opposition, and you have to take your catches to win. And that is what the Indian team is doing. I'm hoping we'll be able to do it in the next two games as well.”
