'When it happens in India, oh my god, all hell breaks loose' - Sunil Gavaskar left fuming over Ranchi pitch rant

The pitch in Ranchi, which is being used for the fourth Test between India and England is under extreme scrutiny as many former cricketers have complained about its uneven bounce. Former cricketer Stuart Broad questioned India’s intention behind preparing a turner such as the strip in Ranchi. The cracks on the surface have assisted the spinners massively, which went against the visitors, as they were bundled out for 145 runs in their second innings.

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar retaliated and stated that the pitches in Australia too have cracks but it doesn’t make it to the headlines. Known for his no-nonsense approach, the 74-year-old didn’t mince words when discussing the playing surfaces Down Under.

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Notably, Gavaskar highlighted that he has witnessed cracks in the pitches of Australian stadiums like Perth and Brisbane on quite a few occasions. However, he pointed out that when similar pitch conditions are seen in India, they are scrutinized and discussed extensively.

“I have seen cracks in the pitches of Perth and Brisbane. When the ball hits the crack in Perth, it goes very viciously past your head. But then nothing happens. You got to play that. You got to show your gumption and guts. But when it happens in India, oh my god, all hell breaks loose,” Gavaskar stated in the commentary box.

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Meanwhile, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up his 35th Test five-for in his career, to go level with former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble's tally, in the second innings while Kuldeep Yadav picked up four, to restrict the visitors to a paltry 145 runs in England's second innings. When it came to the chase, the duo of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave the hosts an ideal start. They built a partnership of 84 runs, which put pressure on the Ben Stokes-led side. 

However, former skipper Joe Root provided the breakthrough as Jaiswal walked back after scoring 37 runs off 44 deliveries. Skipper Rohit, meanwhile, kept going as he completed his half-century. India are in pole position to get the job done in Ranchi and obtain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. However, given the nature of the surface, England would fancy their chances as well.