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India have found themselves in a challenging situation in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. As New Zealand have posted 201/5 by the end of the second session on day 1, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar called out Rohit Sharma for his defensive captaincy on day 1. The former cricketer wasn’t happy with multiple changes on the field by the Indian skipper.
Sunil Gavaskar was in the commentary box during day 1 of the 2nd Test between India and New Zealand. During his commentary, Gavaskar said, "But if he had fielders like that — long on and long off before a lofted shot had been played, the captain would have been called a 'defensive captain.' He is a defensive captain, a negative captain. How you try and block boundaries.”
I see a bit of panic: Sunil Gavaskar comments on exclusion of Kuldeep, Rahul and Siraj from 2nd Test
After losing the first Test by 8 wickets, India made few changes in their playing XI for the second Test in Pune. The hosts dropped KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj from the playing XI, and gave chances to Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Akash Deep. Sunil Gavaskar also pointed out the hosts for multiple changes in the line up and opined there would be a ‘panic in the dressing room.
“Washington Sundar's inclusion was surprising - it means they are worried about their batting. He will give India a cushion in the lower order. There are also talks that he will be useful against left-handers, but I would have picked Kuldeep Yadav with his wrist spin turning the ball off the pitch," Gavaskar said.
