Sunil Gavaskar, Kevin Pietersen argue over defense-offense mechanism of batting

When 2 cricketing legends argue over their indifferences or disagreements, it automatically becomes a heated conversation in which fans and viewers make the most of it. Something similar happened earlier today between India’s batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and former England batter Kevin Pietersen during the ongoing 1st of the 5-match Test series in Hyderabad.

Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen got into an argument about the defensive and offensive mechanism of batting. The Englishman criticized the Indian batters for their ultra-defensive approach on day 4 in their chase of 231 runs which saw the top and middle-order collapse dramatically.

Pietersen stated that going very defensive in spinning Indian tracks is not the right thing to do. He stated that using an unorthodox approach like England did by playing the sweep and reverse sweep shots in their aid against spinners.

And rightfully so, India’s approach has not served them well as they are on the brink of a dramatic loss in the 1st Test that too from a situation where the game was in the grip of Rohit Sharma’s men. The likes of Rohit Sharma (39), Yashasvi Jaiswal (15), Shubman Gill(0), KL Rahul (22), and Shreyas Iyer (13) who are the recognized batters of the team failed to produce any impact whatsoever.

“When you look at the shortest format of the game, there are youngsters who are growing up sweeping and reverse-sweeping. 10-15 years ago, batters didn’t play that way. But look at Ben Duckett for example, he’s grown up playing that way. He’s so comfortable playing that shot.” – Pietersen said

“Gone are the days when it was a wonderful shot. These guys are playing it so easily. Traditional cricket, I don’t think it works against spinners in India.” – Pietersen concluded.

The hosts are in a very tough situation because of their approach, something they would like to improve in the upcoming Tests in Vishakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamshala. With Virat Kohli unavailable for the 2nd Test as well, it will be interesting to see their mindset.

“You Are Absolutely Right But”, Sunil Gavaskar Gives Fitting Response To Kevin Pietersen

Sunil Gavaskar in response to Kevin Pietersen’s remarks on using an unorthodox approach, stated that Pietersen’s point was absolutely right but it is also important for batters to use their feet and play in an orthodox manner. The 74-year-old claimed that getting close to the line of the ball is also very important and relying on that out-of-the-box approach is not wholly correct.

“It can work if you use your feet. We haven’t seen batters use their feet. You need to get as close to the ball as possible. How many batters have we seen who actually went down the pitch? What you said is absolutely right, you got to play the unorthodox shots as well. But you also got to play the orthodox shots, by using your feet.” – Sunil Gavaskar responded to Kevin Pietersen.

Meanwhile, day 4 of the 1st Test is proving to be some game as England require just a wicket while India need 36 for the win. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are currently at the crease.