T20 World Cup 2024: “I think they were arrogant and reckless” – Sunil Gavaskar slams Indian batters despite win against Pakistan

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar slammed Indian batters despite the team’s six-run win against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Sunday. After being put into bat, India was bundled out for a paltry score of 119 runs in bowling-friendly conditions.

Indian openers – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – were dismissed cheaply in the Powerplay overs and the team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. India were 89-3 at one stage but lost the last seven wickets for only 30 runs.

Rishabh Pant top-scored with 42 off 31 balls but none of the other batters could show much fight against the Pakistan bowlers. Rohit Sharma scored 13 whereas Axar Patel, promoted to number four, scored 20 but none of the other could even reach the double-digits.

Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports, “The performance was disappointing. I think they were arrogant and reckless. There was an arrogance in the way they started as they were looking to hit every ball. This is not an Ireland attack. This is not an ordinary attack and I do not mean any disrespect to Ireland when I say this. But this is a very experienced attack and there should have been just that little bit of respect given when the ball is moving quite a bit.”

Gavaskar also lashed out at India’s batting for not playing the full 20 overs as they were skittled out after 19 overs.

“And then, getting out with one over left tells you that you are probably not in the right kind of thinking. Another 6 runs would have taken them to a 125 and that could have made a difference,” he added.

Meanwhile, India was able to register a memorable win despite putting an under-par score of 119 runs on the board. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show as he returned with impressive figures of 3-14 in his quota of four overs.

India will next take on the USA at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Wednesday.