‘Don't play the pitch, play the ball’ - Ravi Shastri takes dig at Ollie Pope following latter's criticism of Ranchi pitch

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri grabbed the headlines after he took a sly dig at England batter Ollie Pope, who recently scrutinized the pitch that was in play in the recently-concluded Test match between India and England in Ranchi.

Ahead of the fourth Test of the series in Ranchi, Pope came forward and had many opinions about the pitch in play for the clash, even expressing his concerns about the cracks present on the surface. However, in a clash that had both sides play brilliant knocks, Pope failed to perform, and registered a pair in the process, only surviving a total of three balls in both of England's innings. On Day 4 of the clash, Shastri, on commentary, took a potshot at Pope, opining that he should play the ball instead of the pitch. 

“The pitch was called all sorts of planets before the start. And those who talked about it, did not get runs. Ollie Pope was one. Don't play the pitch; play the ball. Rohit Sharma will do that on Day 4,” Shastri said before Day 4.

That'll be a wonderful gesture: Sunil Gavaskar

Additionally, former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar presented the idea that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might consider giving veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin the privilege of leading the team out onto the field in Dharamshala for the fifth Test of the series, to commemorate Ashwin's significant 100th match milestone.

"India win tomorrow, and you go to Dharamshala (for fifth and final Test), I just hope that Rohit allows you to lead the team out to the field. That'll be a wonderful gesture, honour for all that you have done for Indian cricket," Gavaskar said while speaking to Ashwin on JioCinema after the end of the third day's play.

Responding to Gavaskar, Ashwin conveyed his thanks and highlighted his enjoyment of every single moment with the team, while also acknowledging the former batter's generosity.

"Sunny bhai, you are being too generous, thanks so much. However, expectations about all these things, I think I am well past all that. But genuinely saying, I am enjoying every single moment I am being with this team," Ashwin said.