Father son divided: Sunil Gavaskar praises, Rohan questions Suryakumar Yadav’s decision vs Oman

NEW DELHI: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s controversial decision to not bat in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash against Oman, even after India lost eight wickets. The move sparked debate after India beat Oman by 21 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Batting first, India posted 188/8, while Oman responded with a spirited 167/4.

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During a discussion on Sony Sports, Gavaskar explained his backing: “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 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.”


The 76-year-old former India captain added: “He is 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.”


While Sunil Gavaskar praised Surya’s tactical approach, his son and former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar questioned the logic. He felt India missed an opportunity to rest Suryakumar while giving Rinku Singh a chance.

“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 told Cricbuzz.

The debate around Surya’s unorthodox decision continues, but cricket experts like Sunil Gavaskar believe it reflects his innovative thinking and long-term strategy, signaling a captain willing to take bold risks for the bigger picture.


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