Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has lauded legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar on a podcast. He heaped praise on the ace opener for his dedication and love for the sport.
Chopra discussed Gavaskar's excellent work style with an example from the Indian Premier League 2020 and India's subsequent trip to Australia. The COVID-19 outbreak caused the IPL to be rescheduled for September–November in the United Arab Emirates that year. Strict procedures were implemented to guarantee the safety of the players and all other event participants.
"His commentary is at a different level. Main toh charan dho ke pee lunga aapke (I will wash your feet and drink the water). I have not even played one-tenth of the matches you played, and my broadcasting career will also be in a similar ratio compared to his, but there are some things that I say I could not do," said Aakash Chopra on The Raunac Podcast.
Due to strict COVID-19 regulations, Chopra declined the chance to provide commentary for India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which took place about a month after the IPL season. However, he disclosed that Gavaskar gladly traveled to Australia for the series.
"When the IPL was taking place in Dubai, we were all in the bio-bubble. After that, India was touring Australia. I, too, got an offer for commentary for the tour. I denied the offer as we had to go through a hard 15-day quarantine. It was such a hard quarantine that if you closed the door of your room, they even took the key with them. You could not walk out of the room. Somebody would knock on your door and leave the food on a plastic plate. Eat it and put the plate outside, and that is it.
After that, we had a Border-Gavaskar Trophy of four matches, which is a good six weeks. I was already staying in Dubai for the IPL, so I denied this offer. I put my hands up. Sunny ji did even that. I asked him, 'Sir, how could you do this?' He replied, 'It's okay. I enjoy doing this.' That is absolutely hats off. I can't think that I could do so much," he added.
