“Don’t Chase Followers Using Indian Players” – Gavaskar Targets AB de Villiers, Haddin After Shreyas Iyer Axe
Sunil Gavaskar slams foreign cricketers for questioning Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup snub, says Indian team selection is “none of their business.”
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has created a storm, but Sunil Gavaskar has made it clear that outside opinions have no place in the debate.
The former India captain has hit back strongly at foreign cricketers who criticised Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee for leaving Iyer out.
Gavaskar Shuts Down Overseas Criticism
Without naming names, Gavaskar took aim at the likes of AB de Villiers and Brad Haddin, who expressed surprise at Iyer’s omission. Writing in his Sportstar column, he said:
“Foreigners who have zero stake in Indian cricket, and much less knowledge about it, are wading into the debate. The selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their business.”
Gavaskar added that Indian players never comment on the squads of other nations and expects the same courtesy in return. “They should focus on their country’s cricket and let us worry about ours,” he wrote.
‘Doing It For Followers’
The batting legend didn’t stop there. He accused overseas ex-cricketers of making negative comments about India only to boost their own viewership on podcasts and YouTube.
“One of the fastest ways to increase numbers is by commenting on matters Indian,” Gavaskar wrote, hinting that chasing reactions from Indian fans has become a trend.
He also blamed sections of the Indian media for fanning the fire by seeking out foreign opinions.
“It’s almost as if validation about Indian cricket has to be obtained from overseas players,” Gavaskar remarked.
Shreyas Iyer, who recently led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, has been one of the notable omissions from India’s Asia Cup squad. While his absence has divided opinion at home, Gavaskar’s sharp words make it clear he doesn’t want outsiders dictating the conversation.
