‘Biggest whingeing and moaning media’: Sunil Gavaskar slams England ahead of Test series against India

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries for their perceived double standards concerning pitches. Gavaskar raised the inconsistency in their approach and predicted that the English media would complain if the expected outcomes are not achieved in their upcoming series against India.

Gavaskar’s critique was prompted by the mediocre pitch at Newlands during the second Test between India and South Africa. That Test ended up being the shortest match in the format’s history.

Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar slammed the double standards of SENA countries, particularly focusing on their tendency to criticise Indian pitches for being spin-friendly. He took a dig at the English media, alleging that they consistently raise objections whenever things go awry for their team.

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“In about three weeks time, another Test series starts with a country that has the biggest whingeing and moaning media in sport. Anything that doesn’t suit their team will be criticised and allegations will fly thick and fast,” Gavaskar opined.

Gavaskar also said that India captain Rohit Sharma accurately conveyed his perspective after the completion of the second Test match against the Proteas. Gavaskar praised the Indian camp for accepting the challenges on the pitch like the one presented in Newlands.

Rohit said that the opponents should not question Indian pitches when the ball starts turning from day one. Gavaskar also wrote that since the Indian team established themselves as a cricketing force and asserted its influence, there has been a persistent effort by representatives of the ‘old powers’ to undermine it.

“There has been a concerted effort to denigrate it by those from the Old Powers. They arrive with an agenda and come what may, will dish out stories for getting the brownie points at home,” Gavaskar wrote. He also asked the Indian media to rise and challenge these narratives.

After leveling the Test series with South Africa 1-1, Team India will next face Afghanistan in T20Is. This will be followed by a five-match Test series against England that starts 25 January.