Sunil Gavaskar Blasts Overseas Critics For “Needling” Over Asia Cup Squad Debate

As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 campaign under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, the team’s squad announcement has set off plenty of chatter in cricket circles. While passionate debates among fans and Indian analysts are considered routine, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has taken sharp aim at former players from other countries, slamming them for stirring controversy and seeking traction at India’s expense.

Gavaskar Questions Foreign Commentators’ Motives

India’s Asia Cup squad has been the centre of heated public discussion, especially following the absence of players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the main 15. Several former cricketers from cricketing nations abroad, including the likes of AB de Villiers and Brad Haddin, have weighed in on these omissions, questioning the BCCI’s selections and sparking further debate.

Sunil Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, made his displeasure clear:
“What is baffling is foreigners who have zero stake in Indian cricket, and much less knowledge about it, wading into the debate and adding fuel to the fire. However great they may be as players and however many times they may have been to India, the selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their business. They should focus on their country’s cricket and let us Indians worry about our cricket...”

The “Little Master” pointed out that Indian ex-cricketers never comment publicly on selection matters in foreign teams – and suggested that the same courtesy should be extended to India.

“Needling” To Drive Social Media Numbers

Gavaskar was forthright in his argument that social media engagement is a major motivator:
“In the days of public media, one of the fastest ways to increase the numbers is by commenting on matters Indian… They do it negatively so there is a huge reaction from Indian keyboard users, which in turn boosts their follower count. That’s why so many overseas cricketers have made a living by needling the Indian cricket lovers with their mostly negative comments about Indian cricket and cricketers.”

He also observed that the Indian media can contribute to the hype by actively seeking foreign opinions, even from forgotten stars, instead of focusing on domestic voices and choosing not to seek validation from abroad.

The Heart Of The Debate

This year’s Asia Cup selection triggered discontent as consistent performers like Iyer and Jaiswal didn’t make the cut, while the selectors backed Suryakumar Yadav to lead a squad of rising stars and experienced pros. Gavaskar was clear that every Indian squad sparks passionate in-house opinion, but “outsiders” should resist fanning the flames simply for relevance or clicks.

He asked a rhetorical question: “Have you ever heard Indian ex-cricketers talk about the selection of other countries’ teams? No, we mind our own business, and seriously couldn’t be bothered by who they choose or who they don’t select.”

Conclusion

With just days to go before India’s Asia Cup opener, Sunil Gavaskar’s forthright comments come as a reminder of the pride and sensitivity attached to national team selections. While fan debate is inevitable and healthy, the original “Little Master” believes that India’s cricketing fate is a matter best discussed and decided at home, not by “needling” from overseas quarters.