India’s 1-3 series defeat against Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked sharp criticism from former captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar. The humiliating loss, which ended on January 5, has left fans and experts disheartened, with Gavaskar calling for significant changes in the approach to Indian cricket, including the eradication of the “star culture” he believes is harming the team’s performance.
Sunil Gavaskar, the first batter to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, expressed his frustration with the lack of commitment shown by some players during the tour. He emphasized the need for a serious reassessment of priorities within Indian cricket over the next few days. In his remarks to a leading news portal, he stressed that total dedication to the sport is non-negotiable, urging players to make themselves available for every series. Gavaskar argued that those unwilling to commit fully should not be considered for selection.
India’s inability to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive cycle has further fueled criticism. The series defeat against Australia marked their first loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15, raising concerns about accountability and performance. Gavaskar urged the BCCI to take decisive action, asserting that the cricket board must prioritize the interests of Indian cricket over the individual preferences of players. He stated that selection should be contingent on full commitment to the national team, emphasizing that a dual focus on cricket and other priorities cannot be accommodated.
Gavaskar’s candid remarks highlight the urgency for introspection and reform as India looks to rebuild after a disappointing campaign.