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During the second Test match between India and New Zealand, Sunil Gavaskar's on-air commentary sparked a debate on social media. The legendary cricketer criticized Rohit Sharma's field setting, particularly during the first session of play.
Gavaskar criticises Rohit Sharma's field setting
India made big changes to their playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand, bringing in Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep. Despite losing the toss and New Zealand opting to bat first, India's field setting strategies came under scrutiny.
In the 19th over, Rohit's decision to spread the field with long-on and long-off in place for the spinners raised eyebrows. Gavaskar's comments on this decision quickly gained traction on social media, sparking discussions among cricket fans and experts alike.
"If you had fielders like that long-on and long-off for the spinners before a lofted shot had been played, the captain would've been called a defensive captain. He's a defensive captain, he's a negative captain. Here now you try and block the boundaries,' Gavaskar said while doing commentary during India versus New Zealand second Test.
"(Once the field changed) This is a good field in the sense that there is a fielder at long-on for - with the turn. The mid-off is inside, which is how it should be," Gavaskar added.
Washington Sundar's masterclass powers India
India's decision to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI proved to be a masterstroke. The 25-year-old all-rounder delivered a stunning performance, claiming a career-best seven wickets in the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand. This was Sundar's first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, marking a significant milestone in his career. Sundar's 7/59 bundled out Kiwis for 259.
After over three years, Sundar returned to the Test team and made an immediate impact. New Zealand, despite half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, were bowled out for 259. India began their innings in the final session of the day. However, New Zealand drew first blood in the form of Rohit Sharma, who returned to the pavilion after recording a nine-ball duck. After Rohit's early dismissal, India made sure they don't lose any more wickets as they ended the Day 1's play at 16/1 with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill intact on the crease.
