Asia Cup 2018: Sunil Gavaskar slams Fakhar Zaman and Dinesh Karthik for doing things in wrong way

For the old-timers, ethics and philosophy are no less significant than the game itself. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar is one such person for whom the aspect of pride that comes with cricket is as noble and it should be rightly treasured. On Wednesday, even as Indian fans celebrated their team’s dominant victory over Pakistan, the 69-year-old was found sticking to the principles of the gentleman’s game that knew no boundaries.

Gavaskar has always been known for his forthright views on earning national caps and jerseys as a matter of national pride. He had received a lesson in his younger days when he sought to wear India pullovers of his maternal uncle Madhav Mantri. The latter told him that he had to earn it to wear it.

It’s a national cap, somebody should tell him

The old values were seen at Dubai International Cricket Stadium when Pakistani cricketer Fakhar Zaman wore his national cap backside front while bowling the 18th over of the Indian innings. Gavaskar picked up at once and said on air for broadcasters Star Sports, “Somebody, maybe the captain should tell him that it’s the national cap. He should wear it properly. You can do this in PSL (Pakistan Super League) may be but this is the national team.” The 28-year-old was seen handing his cap to the umpire when he came to bowl his next over.

Gavaskar then slammed Dinesh Karthik who played the game as a batsman and remained not out on 31 to steer India home along with Ambati Rayudu (also 31 not out). He was not happy with Karthik sporting his initials ‘DK’ on the back of his jersey. He is fondly known by this name in the cricketing circles.

“Maybe that’s his nickname but since the jersey carries his number, people should identify with the name. Maybe with the name, he can have his initials,” the former Indian batsman said.

Gavaskar’s remarks brought some interest over a match which was otherwise a complete mismatch. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat but were bowled out for 162 inside 44 overs. India never had any problem in overhauling the target in just 29 overs, registering their biggest win over the arch-rivals in terms of balls spared. The two teams will take on each other again on September 23, in the Super Four stage.

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