Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who is doing commentary duty in the ongoing 5-match Test series between India and England, lashed out at the hosts’ skipper Rohit Sharma for wasting the last of his 3 reviews on opposing wicket-keeper batsman Ben Foakes who was trapped by Ravindra Jadeja before the wicket. 2 of those DRS were spent when the Indians hoped that they could get the wicket of Joe Root who has smacked his 1st hundred of this series.
Root and Foakes orchestrated England’s inaugural session devoid of any dismissals between lunch and tea, leaving India to rue squandering all three of their review opportunities within the initial 60 overs. The first two reviews were exhausted in vain attempts to dislodge Root, with the final one expended on Foakes early into the third session.
“He was forced into it” – Gavaskar claims Rohit Sharma was forced to take the DRS
Ravindra Jadeja had Foakes under pressure, with the English wicketkeeper-batsman momentarily on the defensive, prompting an immediate appeal from the Indian camp. Despite the on-field umpire’s dismissal of the appeal, Rohit Sharma found himself embroiled in a heated discussion with the player before electing to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS) once again.
However, the subsequent ball tracking revealed that while the delivery had pitched and struck in line, it was veering down the leg, narrowly avoiding the stumps.
Amidst the anticipation for the ball tracking verdict, the stadium screens incessantly showcased Rohit’s reactions, leading to the captain’s frustration boiling over. Gesturing towards the large screen, Rohit implored the cameraman to redirect focus onto the DRS process rather than himself – a reminiscent scene from last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Sunil Gavaskar who was on air at that time, claimed that Rohit was forced into it as he was not willing to blow another DRS on Foakes.
“Not the best of referrals. Rohit wasn’t keen. It was pretty much like he was forced into it. There was just a hint of turn, the batter would have been in trouble but the ball went straight through. Didn’t even hit the back pad; just hit the front pad.”
“All reviews are lost now. Bowlers do get excited; I can understand. They want a wicket, but they have got to realize where it was that the ball hit.” – Gavaskar said via Jio Cinema.
Nick Knight backs Sunil Gavaskar on the DRS verdict
Sunil Gavaskar’s co-commentator in the commentary box former England cricket Nick Knight also made a similar point and particularly criticized Ravindra Jadeja for getting over-excited with the appeal before forcing Rohit Sharma to go on and take the review. Knight stated that DRS did not look convincing enough and there was no point in taking that upstairs.
“It was an emotional review from Jadeja who was pleading with Rohit to go upstairs. But I am with you; this did not look convincing. This is significant because they now have no reviews and England have three.” – Nick Knight said on Jio Cinema.
Meanwhile, England have closed off day 1 by registering 302 at the loss of 7 wickets with Joe Root and Ollie Robinson standing firm in the crease.
