Cricket

Ind vs Eng 2021: It’s not unplayable, it’s a challenging pitch – Sunil Gavaskar

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has played down the criticism of the second Test match pitch at the Chepauk Stadium.

The ball has been turning square from the opening day and some of the foreign experts reckon that it is not a fair pitch as India has prepared a bunsen.

However, it should be noted that the conditions are similar for both the teams and the Indian team has been able to make the most of them so far. The hosts won the crucial toss and posted a par score of 329 runs after Rohit Sharma scored a magnum opus knock of 161 runs. Ajinkya Rahane also scored a crucial knock of 67 and added a fine alliance of 162 runs with Rohit Sharma.

India’s wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten knock of 58 runs as he continued his sublime form. Thus, the Indian batsmen were able to show the character on the difficult pitch.

On the other hand, England was skittled out for a paltry score of 134 runs in the first innings as none of the tourists’ batsmen, except Ben Foakes were able to show any kind of gumption.

The Little Master stated that it’s not an unplayable pitch but it sure is a challenging pitch for the batsmen as the ball has been turning viciously since the morning session of the opening day.

Sunil Gavaskar said while talking to Star Sports before the start of the third day, “It’s not unplayable. It’s a challenging pitch, and that’s what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying ‘it’s boring, nothing is happening. It’s so easy to bat.’ So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time”.

“There are some who are forever complaining about this, that or the other. Yes, it’s a challenging pitch. Rohit Sharma showed in the first innings. More than that, in the 2nd innings, after England have been bowled out for 134, Rohit showed no discomfort against England spinners.

Gavaskar added that one can argue the English spinners – Moeen Ali and Jack Leach – are not as good as Ravichandran Ashwin, who scalped his 29th five-wicket haul in the first innings and breathed down the neck of the visitors’ batsmen. However, Gavaskar feels that blaming the pitch for England’s performance is not fair.

India has put themselves in a commanding position as they lead by 351 runs and have four wickets left in their second innings.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024