Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has stepped forward to defend India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s controversial decision to forgo batting during the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash against Oman, even as India lost eight wickets. This unconventional move sparked considerable discussion after India secured a 21-run victory over Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. India had set a target of 188/8, with Oman responding with a competitive 167/4. The image accompanying this debate shows L-R: Sunil Gavaskar, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rohan Gavaskar, highlighting the core figures in this cricketing discussion.
During a discussion on Sony Sports, Gavaskar senior offered his rationale, suggesting that Yadav might have intentionally opted out to test the batting prowess of other players. “If he had batted for even one over, he could have hit a few fours and sixes and that would have been good for him. But the way he batted against Pakistan, maybe he does not need batting practice. He may have thought that Kuldeep Yadav’s batting could come in handy if India lose quick wickets in one of the matches. Perhaps that’s why he may have sent Kuldeep in to bat,” Gavaskar explained.
The 76-year-old former India captain further elaborated on Yadav’s unique leadership style: “He is a very unorthodox thinker. We saw in Sri Lanka that he himself bowled and also gave Rinku Singh the ball. He turned the game, which seemed to have slipped away, on its head and won India the match. He is an innovative thinker. Maybe that’s why he did not bat and sent in Kuldeep and Arshdeep Singh.”
However, Sunil Gavaskar’s son, former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar, held a different opinion, questioning the tactical wisdom behind Suryakumar’s decision. Rohan felt it was a missed opportunity to provide Rinku Singh with valuable match exposure. “What doesn’t register with me is, if Suryakumar Yadav isn’t going to bat clearly because he’s sent Arshdeep, Harshit, and Kuldeep all ahead of him, then he might as well take a rest. Give Rinku a go. You’re not going to bat; you’re not going to contribute with the ball. If that’s the whole thought process, then let Rinku have a game,” Rohan expressed to Cricbuzz.
The debate surrounding Suryakumar’s unconventional choices continues to be a hot topic, but cricket pundits, including Sunil Gavaskar, interpret it as a reflection of his innovative thinking and a strategic focus on the broader picture for the team, indicating a captain who isn’t afraid to take calculated risks.