“You Are Playing For Your Country…”: Sunil Gavaskar Slams Shubman Gill For Calling Physio In The Middle Over

Difficulties arose for Team India in front of Australia in the first innings of the third Test at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Wednesday. Opting to bat first, the Rohit Sharma-led side were bundled out for 109 after the spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnmann created a ruckus and broke the backbone of the Indian batting line-up. Young batsman Shubman Gill, who was on the bench in the last two games, finally made it into the playing XI after KL Rahul was ruled out. However, one of Gill’s acts on the field angered former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar.

During the seventh over of India’s innings, Gill ran for a single off Cameron Green’s bowling and dived in time to be back in the crease. The right-handed batsman suffered a minor injury as he sustained a gash on his lower abdomen. Gill immediately sought medical help and play had to be stopped.

Seeing this, Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match, said, “We are looking at a bit of repair work for Shubman Gill. He dived to make his crease but I tell you what. It could wait. It Could have waited. Till the end of the over. There is a fast bowler who is bowling – he has bowled 4 deliveries; it is hot – and you have relieved him. Yes, you are hurt but waiting for 2 more deliveries Do it. Wait for the over to finish and get treated. You’re at the non-striker’s end, you’re not at the striker’s end. Simple things can make a difference.”

Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden, who was commentating with Gavaskar, said, “You’re a tough guy, Sonny. That’s a real stinger.” But, Gavaskar kept his word and stuck to his words and replied, “Yes, it is, but listen you are playing for your country. Just 2 more deliveries. You are near the non-striker. I can understand.” Hoon agar tum ho is taking the strike and you are having that trouble. And he has done it after 2 deliveries.”

India were bowled out for 109 by Australia in the post-lunch session on the first day of the third Test in Indore on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli scored 22 and Shubman Gill scored 21 runs.

Left-arm spinners Matthew Kuhnmann (5/16) and Nathan Lyon (3/35) bowled for Australia on a pitch that took a dangerous turn.

(With PTI inputs)

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