IND v AUS 2023: Hayden calls Gavaskar a ‘harsh man’ over Shubman Gill’s decision to seek medical attention

Shubman Gill replaced KL Rahul in India's playing XI for the Indore Test.

By Salman Anjum - 01 Mar, 2023

Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann ran through the Indian batting line-up on Day 1 of the third Test at Holkar Stadium, Indore.

Kuhnemann returned with a five-wicket haul and one of his victims was Shubman Gill, who replaced KL Rahul in the playing XI.

India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was on-air at the time, was critical of Gill after one of the opener’s actions left him furious.

During the seventh over of India’s innings, Shubman attempted to take a quick single and had to dive to make it back in time. As a result, the batter sustained a scratch below his abdomen.

Gill called for the physio but his instinct to seek immediate medical attention didn’t impress Gavaskar, who felt the youngster “could have waited” till the end of the over.

“There’s a pacer who is bowling – he has bowled four deliveries; it’s hot – and you’ve given him a breather. Yes, you are hurt but wait for two more deliveries. Wait for the over to end and then get treated. You’re at the non-striker’s end, you’re not at the striker’s end. Simple things can make a difference,” Gavaskar said on-air.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who was also commentating alongside Gavaskar, found the criticism a bit harsh and said that the cut looked “like a real stinger”.

However, Gavaskar maintained that Gill should have waited for the over to end.

“You are playing for your country. You’re at the non-striker’s end and could have waited for the over to finish,” he added.

Shubman Gill was eventually dismissed by Matthew Kuhnemann in the eighth over of India’s innings for 21.

By Salman Anjum - 01 Mar, 2023

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