A mentor can only help as much because it is the players who will have to go out there and perform the "actual task", the legendary Sunil Gavaskar said on the appointment of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Indian team mentor for the T20 World Cup.

India will play Pakistan on Sunday in the Super 12s and Gavaskar feels that in this format Virat Kohli's team can't be termed clear favourites.

"Mentor can't do much," Gavaskar told Aaj Tak. "Yes, he can help you prepare in change room as its a fast-paced game and if needed, help you tweak the tactic."

"May be speak to batters and bowlers during time-out, so the move to employ Dhoni is a good one but Dhoni will be in the change room and its the players who have to perform the actual task in the middle. How they handle pressure would determine what the result will be," Gavaskar said during the event.

Gavaskar feels Kohli will feel lesser pressure now that he has decided to quit captaincy in the T20 format.

"When you become a captain, you can't just think about yourself, he has to speak to a batter who is going through a bad patch or discuss strategies with a bowler.

"Amid all this, one tends to neglect his own form. When you don't have that pressure, you can focus on your own game. I think it will be good for Virat that after T20 World Cup, he doesn't have to think about responsibilities.

"So he can focus on his own game and score as many runs as possible," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-call-him-indias-inzamam-shoaib-akhtar-names-india-star-who-is-liked-more-than-virat-kohli-in-pakistan-422882">People call him India's Inzamam:&nbsp;Akhtar names India star who is liked more than Virat Kohli in Pakistan</a>

Gavaskar, one of the most respected voices in world cricket, also pointed out that India's failure to win knock-out games in global tournaments has been primarily due to the faulty team selections.

"India's problem in big matches has been team combination. If they would have got final XI selection right in knock out games, they would have had less problems. At times, your thought process is different," he said.

"In knock-outs and finals, you should bat first, put runs on the board, whatever you put, 140 may be, the other team has to score and it's not always easy to score at seven runs per over in international cricket," he explained.

"So when we haven't batted first, in a chase, if you lose one or two wickets, you consolidate and then catch up becomes a problem and they (Indian batters) have been found wanting."

In T20 cricket, Gavaskar has found one flaw with the Indian batting and that's losing momentum between overs 7 and 12.

"India's batting weakness has been in the overs after Powerplay, between 7 and 12. After 7 overs, we start struggling. It will be great if we can bat well in those four to five overs and score 40 runs," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/felt-like-bowling-a-40-ball-over-when-misbah-slammed-harbhajan-for-3-sixes-in-2007-t20-wc-final-423012">'Felt like bowling a 40-ball over': When Misbah slammed Harbhajan for 3 sixes in 2007 T20 WC final</a>

But Gavaskar was pretty clear that India do not start as favourites.

"In T20 cricket, it's not difficult to beat any team. Yes, in Tests, you can say that whether you have that kind of depth in batting or bowling matters. But in T20, no team is favourite and the team that makes less mistakes will win," he said.

Gavaskar had one advice for the teams.

"Just giving it your all at times might not be sufficient. With hard work you also need to use your brain."&nbsp;

A mentor can only help as much because it is the players who will have to go out there and perform the "actual task", the legendary Sunil Gavaskar said on the appointment of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Indian team mentor for the T20 World Cup.

A mentor can only help as much because it is the players who will have to go out there and perform the "actual task", the legendary Sunil Gavaskar said on the appointment of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Indian team mentor for the T20 World Cup. India will play Pakistan on Sunday in the Super 12s and Gavaskar feels that in this format Virat Kohli's team can't be termed clear favourites. "Mentor can't do much," Gavaskar told Aaj Tak. "Yes, he can help you prepare in change room as its a fast-paced game and if needed, help you tweak the tactic." "May be speak to batters and bowlers during time-out, so the move to employ Dhoni is a good one but Dhoni will be in the change room and its the players who have to perform the actual task in the middle. How they handle pressure would determine what the result will be," Gavaskar said during the event. Gavaskar feels Kohli will feel lesser pressure now that he has decided to quit captaincy in the T20 format. "When you become a captain, you can't just think about yourself, he has to speak to a batter who is going through a bad patch or discuss strategies with a bowler. "Amid all this, one tends to neglect his own form. When you don't have that pressure, you can focus on your own game. I think it will be good for Virat that after T20 World Cup, he doesn't have to think about responsibilities. "So he can focus on his own game and score as many runs as possible," he added. Also Read: People call him India's Inzamam: Akhtar names India star who is liked more than Virat Kohli in Pakistan Gavaskar, one of the most respected voices in world cricket, also pointed out that India's failure to win knock-out games in global tournaments has been primarily due to the faulty team selections. "India's problem in big matches has been team combination. If they would have got final XI selection right in knock out games, they would have had less problems. At times, your thought process is different," he said. "In knock-outs and finals, you should bat first, put runs on the board, whatever you put, 140 may be, the other team has to score and it's not always easy to score at seven runs per over in international cricket," he explained. "So when we haven't batted first, in a chase, if you lose one or two wickets, you consolidate and then catch up becomes a problem and they (Indian batters) have been found wanting." In T20 cricket, Gavaskar has found one flaw with the Indian batting and that's losing momentum between overs 7 and 12. "India's batting weakness has been in the overs after Powerplay, between 7 and 12. After 7 overs, we start struggling. It will be great if we can bat well in those four to five overs and score 40 runs," he said. ALSO READ: 'Felt like bowling a 40-ball over': When Misbah slammed Harbhajan for 3 sixes in 2007 T20 WC final But Gavaskar was pretty clear that India do not start as favourites. "In T20 cricket, it's not difficult to beat any team. Yes, in Tests, you can say that whether you have that kind of depth in batting or bowling matters. But in T20, no team is favourite and the team that makes less mistakes will win," he said. Gavaskar had one advice for the teams. "Just giving it your all at times might not be sufficient. With hard work you also need to use your brain."

T20 World Cup: Mentors can't do much, it's players who have to perform: Sunil Gavaskar on MS Dhoni

England managed to equal the five-match series (1-1) against India after handing the visitors a crushing defeat in the third Test match that was played at Headingly, Leeds.&nbsp;

The Men in Blue were expected to continue their resistance from Day 3. They kicked off Day 4 with a trail of 139 runs and 8 wickets in hand.&nbsp;

Kohli and Pujara were expected to build on the 99-run partnership they had during Day 3. However, Pujara got out without adding any runs on the scoreboard.&nbsp;

Skipper Virat Kohli soon followed Pujara towards the dugout, shortly after scoring a half-century. India witnessed a batting collapse. From 215/2, they were bowled out for 278 runs in the second innings within 54 minutes, thus handing an innings and 76 runs victory to the hosts.&nbsp;

Now, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar talked about India's batting collapse. During the post-match show on Sony Sports he said: "It was. When you have a look at what we have got at 8,9,10, and 11, we did have some rearguard action at Lord's, where England lost the plot more than anything else. Once the top three batsmen fell, it was clear we (India) were not going to survive for too long. By any stretch of the imagination, in 54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take."

Winning captain Joe Root was overjoyed with the win and during the post-match presentation, he said: "It was a fantastic and clinical performance from the bowlers. The two big lads put loads of pressure with three maidens, and we had a really good opportunity to take wickets and we took them ruthlessly."

"We controlled and hung in with the new ball, and we reaped the rewards. Anderson churns out performances like that and that's why he's the GOAT of Test cricket," he added.&nbsp;

Both teams will now head into the penultimate Test match of the series and will play each other at the Oval.

England managed to equal the five-match series (1-1) against India after handing the visitors a crushing defeat in the third Test match that was played at Headingly, Leeds.

England managed to equal the five-match series (1-1) against India after handing the visitors a crushing defeat in the third Test match that was played at Headingly, Leeds. The Men in Blue were expected to continue their resistance from Day 3. They kicked off Day 4 with a trail of 139 runs and 8 wickets in hand. Kohli and Pujara were expected to build on the 99-run partnership they had during Day 3. However, Pujara got out without adding any runs on the scoreboard. Skipper Virat Kohli soon followed Pujara towards the dugout, shortly after scoring a half-century. India witnessed a batting collapse. From 215/2, they were bowled out for 278 runs in the second innings within 54 minutes, thus handing an innings and 76 runs victory to the hosts. Now, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar talked about India's batting collapse. During the post-match show on Sony Sports he said: "It was. When you have a look at what we have got at 8,9,10, and 11, we did have some rearguard action at Lord's, where England lost the plot more than anything else. Once the top three batsmen fell, it was clear we (India) were not going to survive for too long. By any stretch of the imagination, in 54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take." Winning captain Joe Root was overjoyed with the win and during the post-match presentation, he said: "It was a fantastic and clinical performance from the bowlers. The two big lads put loads of pressure with three maidens, and we had a really good opportunity to take wickets and we took them ruthlessly." "We controlled and hung in with the new ball, and we reaped the rewards. Anderson churns out performances like that and that's why he's the GOAT of Test cricket," he added. Both teams will now head into the penultimate Test match of the series and will play each other at the Oval.

'54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take', says Sunil Gavaskar

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is not having the best of time with the bat in England. In the ongoing Test series against England, Kohli has scored just 69 runs, with his highest individual score being 42 runs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1-0-mohammed-siraj-gives-brilliant-response-to-english-fans-who-ask-him-about-the-score-after-indias-flop-show-408463" hreflang="en">'1-0' - Mohammed Siraj gives brilliant response to English fans who ask him about the score after India's flop show</a> 
&nbsp; 
Now, former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar has said that Kohli should call batting legend Sachin Tendulkar in order to sort out technical problems he has been having in English conditions and veteran pacer James Anderson.&nbsp;

“He should give a quick call to SRT (Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar) and ask what should I do?" said Gavaskar during commentary on Wednesday.

Kohli &amp; Co. had the most disappointing starts of all in the series with Lord's Test's Man-of-the-Match KL Rahul out for a duck. While Rahul fell in the first over itself, India were soon reduced to 21-3 as James Anderson's regular strikes severely dented India's start. Despite a 35-run stand between Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, India went to the lunch break being reduced to 56-4. From 58-4, India were soon reduced to 68-9 before being bundled out for 78 as Sam Curran and Craig Overton's breakthroughs brought the visitors on the mat.&nbsp;

Virat fell cheaply as he scored just 7 runs. He found an edge off Anderson's delivery giving a comfortable catch to Jos Buttler.

“That is a bit of a worry for me, because he is getting dismissed at the fifth, sixth and even seventh stump. In 2014, he was getting out more around the off-stump," added Gavaskar while pointing to the fact that he is being drawn into playing outside the off-stump.

Gavaskar said Kohli should follow the methods of Tendulkar which the great man implemented in the Sydney Test in 2003-04

“[He should] Do what Sachin Tendulkar did at Sydney. Say to himself that I am not going to play the cover drive," added Gavaskar.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is not having the best of time with the bat in England. In the ongoing Test series against England, Kohli has scored just 69 runs, with his highest individual score being 42 runs.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is not having the best of time with the bat in England. In the ongoing Test series against England, Kohli has scored just 69 runs, with his highest individual score being 42 runs. ALSO READ: '1-0' - Mohammed Siraj gives brilliant response to English fans who ask him about the score after India's flop show Now, former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar has said that Kohli should call batting legend Sachin Tendulkar in order to sort out technical problems he has been having in English conditions and veteran pacer James Anderson. “He should give a quick call to SRT (Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar) and ask what should I do?" said Gavaskar during commentary on Wednesday. Kohli & Co. had the most disappointing starts of all in the series with Lord's Test's Man-of-the-Match KL Rahul out for a duck. While Rahul fell in the first over itself, India were soon reduced to 21-3 as James Anderson's regular strikes severely dented India's start. Despite a 35-run stand between Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, India went to the lunch break being reduced to 56-4. From 58-4, India were soon reduced to 68-9 before being bundled out for 78 as Sam Curran and Craig Overton's breakthroughs brought the visitors on the mat. Virat fell cheaply as he scored just 7 runs. He found an edge off Anderson's delivery giving a comfortable catch to Jos Buttler. “That is a bit of a worry for me, because he is getting dismissed at the fifth, sixth and even seventh stump. In 2014, he was getting out more around the off-stump," added Gavaskar while pointing to the fact that he is being drawn into playing outside the off-stump. Gavaskar said Kohli should follow the methods of Tendulkar which the great man implemented in the Sydney Test in 2003-04 “[He should] Do what Sachin Tendulkar did at Sydney. Say to himself that I am not going to play the cover drive," added Gavaskar.

'He should give a quick call to Tendulkar': Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli

Virat and Co. will be high on confidence as they beat England at Lord's in the second Test match. India are up by 1-0 in the five-match series and are hopeful to seal their first Test series win in 14 years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-jasprit-bumrah-did-a-very-tough-job-says-zaheer-khan-407398" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: 'Jasprit Bumrah did a very tough job', says Zaheer Khan</a>

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that best in Rohit Sharma is yet to come. Sharma missed a golden chance of scoring an overseas ton at Lord's after the Indian opener was dismissed at 83 runs. However, Gavaskar feels the form Rohit is in it is just a matter of time before the opener gets a maiden overseas century.&nbsp;

"In a five-day Test match, no one has an idea as to how the pitch will behave on the first day – things like whether there is life on this pitch, will the ball bounce more? For that, you need some time and the adjustment Rohit Sharma showed in the first innings, how to do it. He did it brilliantly – what shots to play and what not. Just see how many balls he left, some of them close to the off stump. This adjustment is mental and that is what Rohit accomplished," Gavaskar had said on the Sony Sports Network.

"And this is what gives us hope from a player. If you get a player who can guarantee score 80 runs, then in a five-Test series, he would end up with 400-450 runs. What else does a captain need? Yes, he would be disappointed not scoring a century, but getting a century at Lords isn’t everything," Gavaskar, who never scored an international century at Lord's, mentioned.

"You score a century at Trent Bridge, or Leeds… if you score a century for India in whichever part of the world, that is what is important. And the way he is batting, the time he has and the position in which he gets himself in, it feels as if a century is just around the corner."

Virat and Co. will be high on confidence as they beat England at Lord's in the second Test match. India are up by 1-0 in the five-match series and are hopeful to seal their first Test series win in 14 years.

Virat and Co. will be high on confidence as they beat England at Lord's in the second Test match. India are up by 1-0 in the five-match series and are hopeful to seal their first Test series win in 14 years. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: 'Jasprit Bumrah did a very tough job', says Zaheer Khan Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that best in Rohit Sharma is yet to come. Sharma missed a golden chance of scoring an overseas ton at Lord's after the Indian opener was dismissed at 83 runs. However, Gavaskar feels the form Rohit is in it is just a matter of time before the opener gets a maiden overseas century. "In a five-day Test match, no one has an idea as to how the pitch will behave on the first day – things like whether there is life on this pitch, will the ball bounce more? For that, you need some time and the adjustment Rohit Sharma showed in the first innings, how to do it. He did it brilliantly – what shots to play and what not. Just see how many balls he left, some of them close to the off stump. This adjustment is mental and that is what Rohit accomplished," Gavaskar had said on the Sony Sports Network. "And this is what gives us hope from a player. If you get a player who can guarantee score 80 runs, then in a five-Test series, he would end up with 400-450 runs. What else does a captain need? Yes, he would be disappointed not scoring a century, but getting a century at Lords isn’t everything," Gavaskar, who never scored an international century at Lord's, mentioned. "You score a century at Trent Bridge, or Leeds… if you score a century for India in whichever part of the world, that is what is important. And the way he is batting, the time he has and the position in which he gets himself in, it feels as if a century is just around the corner."

'Century is just around the corner for Rohit Sharma', predicts Sunil Gavaskar

After facing a defeat in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India will now take on England in a five-match Test series. However, the Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat and Co. should not be worried about the series against England.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-we-known-each-other-for-a-long-time-kane-williamson-on-his-friendship-with-virat-kohli-394501" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'We known each other for a long time': Kane Williamson on his friendship with Virat Kohli</a>

In his column in The Telegraph, Gavaskar wrote that the Indian team should not be worried about the five-match series as the conditions will be more favourable for batting.&nbsp;

"Indian batsmen need not worry about the series against England in August-September as the sun will be out by then and the pitches will be drier and with the greatest of respect, if Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don't get wickets in their first spell, they struggle in their next spells," wrote Gavaskar.

"The English summer has begun with disappointment [for India] but when disappointment fuels determination then fortunes can be turned and that's the attitude this talented team need to make this a truly Indian summer," he remarked.

The five-match red-ball series will kick off on August 4. The last time Men in Blue played a Test series in English conditions, they suffered a 4-1 loss (in 2017).

The forthcoming five Tests against England will give Team India ostensibly the best chance to put any demons to rest in England. A determined series win would not just recuperate the wounds of the previous few years yet, in addition, clear any questions about the team's future possibilities. &nbsp;

After facing a defeat in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India will now take on England in a five-match Test series. However, the Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat and Co.

After facing a defeat in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India will now take on England in a five-match Test series. However, the Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat and Co. should not be worried about the series against England. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'We known each other for a long time': Kane Williamson on his friendship with Virat Kohli In his column in The Telegraph, Gavaskar wrote that the Indian team should not be worried about the five-match series as the conditions will be more favourable for batting. "Indian batsmen need not worry about the series against England in August-September as the sun will be out by then and the pitches will be drier and with the greatest of respect, if Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don't get wickets in their first spell, they struggle in their next spells," wrote Gavaskar. "The English summer has begun with disappointment [for India] but when disappointment fuels determination then fortunes can be turned and that's the attitude this talented team need to make this a truly Indian summer," he remarked. The five-match red-ball series will kick off on August 4. The last time Men in Blue played a Test series in English conditions, they suffered a 4-1 loss (in 2017). The forthcoming five Tests against England will give Team India ostensibly the best chance to put any demons to rest in England. A determined series win would not just recuperate the wounds of the previous few years yet, in addition, clear any questions about the team's future possibilities.

Cricket- 'Indian batsmen need not worry about the series against England': Sunil Gavaskar

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar explained the reason why he never thought of getting into coaching. The Little Master became the first cricketer to cross 10,000 run-mark in the game of cricket, he retired from international cricket in 1987.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sri-lankan-players-refuse-to-sign-new-contracts-but-ready-to-feature-in-england-tour-389763" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sri Lankan players refuse to sign new contracts but ready to feature in England tour</a>

"I've been a terrible watcher of cricket, even when I was playing the game. If I got out, I would be watching the match very intermittently. I would watch for a while, then go inside the change room or read something or reply to letters etc. and then come out and watch again. So, I wasn't the ball-by-ball watcher, like say GR Vishwanath is. GRV or my uncle Madhav Mantri was a complete ball by ball watcher. And if you want to be a coach or a selector, you've got to be a ball-by-ball watcher. And therefore, I never even thought about it… being a coach," Gavaskar said on 'The Analyst' YouTube channel, in response to a query.

Gavaskar might not be up for coaching, however, he is always up for guiding players. Gavaskar said that he 'exchanged notes' with the likes of Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman.

"Having said that, I’ve had people coming up to me. Not the current lot, but say Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman. So I’ve been very happy to exchange notes with them… whatever my observations are. So yes, I’ve been able to maybe help them somewhere down the line, but on a full-time basis, that's not something I could do," said the former India captain.

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar explained the reason why he never thought of getting into coaching. The Little Master became the first cricketer to cross 10,000 run-mark in the game of cricket, he retired from international cricket in 1987.

Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar explained the reason why he never thought of getting into coaching. The Little Master became the first cricketer to cross 10,000 run-mark in the game of cricket, he retired from international cricket in 1987. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sri Lankan players refuse to sign new contracts but ready to feature in England tour "I've been a terrible watcher of cricket, even when I was playing the game. If I got out, I would be watching the match very intermittently. I would watch for a while, then go inside the change room or read something or reply to letters etc. and then come out and watch again. So, I wasn't the ball-by-ball watcher, like say GR Vishwanath is. GRV or my uncle Madhav Mantri was a complete ball by ball watcher. And if you want to be a coach or a selector, you've got to be a ball-by-ball watcher. And therefore, I never even thought about it… being a coach," Gavaskar said on 'The Analyst' YouTube channel, in response to a query. Gavaskar might not be up for coaching, however, he is always up for guiding players. Gavaskar said that he 'exchanged notes' with the likes of Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman. "Having said that, I’ve had people coming up to me. Not the current lot, but say Sachin, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag and Laxman. So I’ve been very happy to exchange notes with them… whatever my observations are. So yes, I’ve been able to maybe help them somewhere down the line, but on a full-time basis, that's not something I could do," said the former India captain.

'Terrible watcher of cricket': Sunil Gavaskar explains the reason behind not coaching Team India

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded RCB star AB de Villiers' vital innings that helped Virat and Co. set a good total in the match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. Gavaskar called the Proteas &nbsp;‘amazing’ and ‘magical’.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-watch-virat-kohli-and-mohammed-sirajs-gesture-for-rishabh-pant-and-shimron-hetmyer-wins-hearts-381029" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- WATCH: Kohli and Siraj's gesture for Pant and Hetmyer wins hearts</a>

“It’s amazing. It’s just magical. You can walk around the earth, just to see this man bat because he brings in so much. He gives you so much joy, he makes your jaw drop with the kind of audacity with which he plays some shots,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports after RCB reclaimed the top spot in IPL 2021 points table.

RCB star ABD became the sixth to join the elite list of batsmen with 5,000 runs in the league. He is the only one at a strike rate of more than 150. His power-hitting helped RCB post 171 for 5. They went on to win the match one run after DC managed to score 170 runs.&nbsp;

“When you see a genius like that, you want to go and just watch him carry on. You want to say to the opposition – ‘Listen, why don’t you send him to open the batting because we can get to see more of him rather than him coming in the 10th or the 11th over. Let’s see 20 overs of ABD’, that’s what I, as a former batsman, always say when I see AB de Villiers in this kind of form,” he said.

De Villiers smashed five sixes and three fours. Gavaskar talked about the big hits by the South African. “We talk about the big sixes. There was one shot where he just opened the face of the bat and ramped the ball down to the third man. That was an incredible shot because it was hit literally at the last second when he opened the face of the bat,” he added.&nbsp;

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded RCB star AB de Villiers' vital innings that helped Virat and Co. set a good total in the match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded RCB star AB de Villiers' vital innings that helped Virat and Co. set a good total in the match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. Gavaskar called the Proteas ‘amazing’ and ‘magical’. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- WATCH: Kohli and Siraj's gesture for Pant and Hetmyer wins hearts “It’s amazing. It’s just magical. You can walk around the earth, just to see this man bat because he brings in so much. He gives you so much joy, he makes your jaw drop with the kind of audacity with which he plays some shots,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports after RCB reclaimed the top spot in IPL 2021 points table. RCB star ABD became the sixth to join the elite list of batsmen with 5,000 runs in the league. He is the only one at a strike rate of more than 150. His power-hitting helped RCB post 171 for 5. They went on to win the match one run after DC managed to score 170 runs. “When you see a genius like that, you want to go and just watch him carry on. You want to say to the opposition – ‘Listen, why don’t you send him to open the batting because we can get to see more of him rather than him coming in the 10th or the 11th over. Let’s see 20 overs of ABD’, that’s what I, as a former batsman, always say when I see AB de Villiers in this kind of form,” he said. De Villiers smashed five sixes and three fours. Gavaskar talked about the big hits by the South African. “We talk about the big sixes. There was one shot where he just opened the face of the bat and ramped the ball down to the third man. That was an incredible shot because it was hit literally at the last second when he opened the face of the bat,” he added.

IPL 2021- 'When you see a genius like that, you want to go': Sunil Gavaskar on AB de Villiers

BCCI felicitated batting legend Sunil Gavaskar for his contribution to Indian cricket on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his Test debut.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-rishabh-pant-turned-the-match-on-its-head-david-lloyd-368402" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG- 'Rishabh Pant turned the match on its head': David Lloyd</a>

BCCI secretary Jay honoured the former Indian skipper during the lunch break on day three of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also celebrated the 50th anniversary by making his social media debut by creating his Instagram account.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar's son Rohan tweeted about his father making a debut on Instagram and he captioned the post as: "Another debut !! This time on Instagram."

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ind-vs-eng-rishabh-pants-magnificent-century-against-jimmy-anderson-and-co-368226">IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant's magnificent century against England</a>&nbsp;

In his first post on Instagram, Gavaskar shared an old photo and he captioned the post as: "Hello Instagram. I think I am ready for another debut."

Sunil Gavaskar had a prolific cricketing career. He played 125 Tests and 108 ODIs for India. He was also a part of the 1983 World Cup win and 1985 World Championship of Cricket victory.

Gavaskar scored 10,122 runs in the longest format of the game and he held the record for scoring most centuries in Test cricket till 2005. The record was broken by Sachin Tendulkar. &nbsp;

BCCI felicitated batting legend Sunil Gavaskar for his contribution to Indian cricket on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his Test debut. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG- 'Rishabh Pant turned the match on its head': David Lloyd BCCI secretary Jay honoured the former Indian skipper during the lunch break on day three of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England.

BCCI felicitated batting legend Sunil Gavaskar for his contribution to Indian cricket on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his Test debut. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG- 'Rishabh Pant turned the match on its head': David Lloyd BCCI secretary Jay honoured the former Indian skipper during the lunch break on day three of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England. Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also celebrated the 50th anniversary by making his social media debut by creating his Instagram account. Sunil Gavaskar's son Rohan tweeted about his father making a debut on Instagram and he captioned the post as: "Another debut !! This time on Instagram." IN PICS: IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant's magnificent century against England In his first post on Instagram, Gavaskar shared an old photo and he captioned the post as: "Hello Instagram. I think I am ready for another debut." Sunil Gavaskar had a prolific cricketing career. He played 125 Tests and 108 ODIs for India. He was also a part of the 1983 World Cup win and 1985 World Championship of Cricket victory. Gavaskar scored 10,122 runs in the longest format of the game and he held the record for scoring most centuries in Test cricket till 2005. The record was broken by Sachin Tendulkar.

BCCI honours Sunil Gavaskar on 50th anniversary of Test debut

Indian opener Shubman Gill had a great tour in Australia raising a lot of expectations to continue his sublime form in the England series. However, the 21-year-old opener has struggled to get runs for the team in the ongoing Test series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-frustrating-ben-stokes-on-englands-performance-with-bat-defends-team-selection-368024" hreflang="en">'It’s frustrating': Ben Stokes on England's performance with bat; defends team selection</a>

Gill scored a gritty half-century in the second innings of the first Test, however, after that he could just score 0, 14, 11, 15*, and 0. Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar&nbsp;told the probable&nbsp;reason behind the drop in the form.&nbsp;

"It's just a bad patch that anybody can go through. Expectations after the Australia tour were sky-high, maybe he's feeling the pressure of those expectations," Gavaskar told India Today.

"Also he needs to play a bit straight at the start of the innings, he is playing across the line at the moment which is getting him into trouble," Gavaskar added.

Gavaskar lauded the Indian spinners for picking up eight wickets on Day 1 of the fourth Test as they bowled the visitors out on 205.

"Indian spinners and bowlers have bowled really well. England players have not shown the application, determination required to fight it out despite the fact that the oddball was turning. They were playing down the wrong line, they came in with a lot of preconceived ideas.

"Sometimes there can be a lot of theory talk in the change room, but at the end of the day, that theory has to be separated from the practical - which is how you play each ball on its merit.&nbsp;

Indian opener Shubman Gill had a great tour in Australia raising a lot of expectations to continue his sublime form in the England series. However, the 21-year-old opener has struggled to get runs for the team in the ongoing Test series.

Indian opener Shubman Gill had a great tour in Australia raising a lot of expectations to continue his sublime form in the England series. However, the 21-year-old opener has struggled to get runs for the team in the ongoing Test series. ALSO READ: 'It’s frustrating': Ben Stokes on England's performance with bat; defends team selection Gill scored a gritty half-century in the second innings of the first Test, however, after that he could just score 0, 14, 11, 15*, and 0. Former India legend Sunil Gavaskar told the probable reason behind the drop in the form. "It's just a bad patch that anybody can go through. Expectations after the Australia tour were sky-high, maybe he's feeling the pressure of those expectations," Gavaskar told India Today. "Also he needs to play a bit straight at the start of the innings, he is playing across the line at the moment which is getting him into trouble," Gavaskar added. Gavaskar lauded the Indian spinners for picking up eight wickets on Day 1 of the fourth Test as they bowled the visitors out on 205. "Indian spinners and bowlers have bowled really well. England players have not shown the application, determination required to fight it out despite the fact that the oddball was turning. They were playing down the wrong line, they came in with a lot of preconceived ideas. "Sometimes there can be a lot of theory talk in the change room, but at the end of the day, that theory has to be separated from the practical - which is how you play each ball on its merit.

Sunil Gavaskar feels Shubman Gill might be under pressure due to expectations

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday said that he will not term Ajinkya Rahane`s leadership "outstanding" as lovers of the game will then call him out for having a bias for players coming from Mumbai.

Gavaskar`s remarks came as India bundled out Australia for 195 in the first innings of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after being asked to bowl first. For the visitors, Jasprit Bumrah scalped four wickets while Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets.

"From what I have seen in the last 2 Tests he has captained and ODI matches he captained, he has got a great sense of where the fielders should be kept. Having said that, it`s very important for the bowlers to bowl to their field. If the bowlers bowl to the field, as they did today, then the captain looks very good," Gavaskar said on Sony Network.

"Importantly, let`s not jump to conclusions too quickly. If I say that his captaincy is outstanding, then again, I will be accused of backing a Mumbai boy and all kinds of things will happen. So I don`t want to get into that because these are early days," he added.

Bumrah scalped four, Ravichandran Ashwin took three while Mohammad Siraj took two wickets to bundle out Australia for 195. Rahane had also employed a leg slip for his bowlers on the first day at MCG and as a result, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Tim Paine all fell into the trap."It`s important for India to look beyond the fact that it`s only Rahane`s captaincy. It`s the way Ashwin bowled, it`s the way Bumrah bowled, it`s the way Siraj made his debut. I mean imagine, being a new-ball bowler, and you don`t get to bowl a single delivery before the second session. Only in the second session, you get to bowl in the 27th over but he showed great spirit in the way he came and bowled,` said Gavaskar.

"These are the things we should enjoy. It tells you a lot about this Indian team that they were at the Australians and they got the early wicket. If they hadn`t got the early wicket, if Australia had gotten to a 60 or 70 for 0 kind of start, then their body language might have been different," he added.

With the Indian bowlers once again stealing the show, it was a test of facing 11 overs of quality pace bowling for the batsmen in the closing stages of the opening day. While Shubman Gill came out with flying colours, having hit an unbeaten 38-ball 28, Mayank Agarwal failed to stand up and get counted as he fell for a duck.

At stumps, India`s score read 36/1 with Gill batting on 28 and Cheteshwar Pujara giving him company on 7. The visitors trail by 159 runs with nine wickets in the bag.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday said that he will not term Ajinkya Rahane`s leadership "outstanding" as lovers of the game will then call him out for having a bias for players coming from Mumbai.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday said that he will not term Ajinkya Rahane`s leadership "outstanding" as lovers of the game will then call him out for having a bias for players coming from Mumbai. Gavaskar`s remarks came as India bundled out Australia for 195 in the first innings of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after being asked to bowl first. For the visitors, Jasprit Bumrah scalped four wickets while Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets. "From what I have seen in the last 2 Tests he has captained and ODI matches he captained, he has got a great sense of where the fielders should be kept. Having said that, it`s very important for the bowlers to bowl to their field. If the bowlers bowl to the field, as they did today, then the captain looks very good," Gavaskar said on Sony Network. "Importantly, let`s not jump to conclusions too quickly. If I say that his captaincy is outstanding, then again, I will be accused of backing a Mumbai boy and all kinds of things will happen. So I don`t want to get into that because these are early days," he added. Bumrah scalped four, Ravichandran Ashwin took three while Mohammad Siraj took two wickets to bundle out Australia for 195. Rahane had also employed a leg slip for his bowlers on the first day at MCG and as a result, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Tim Paine all fell into the trap."It`s important for India to look beyond the fact that it`s only Rahane`s captaincy. It`s the way Ashwin bowled, it`s the way Bumrah bowled, it`s the way Siraj made his debut. I mean imagine, being a new-ball bowler, and you don`t get to bowl a single delivery before the second session. Only in the second session, you get to bowl in the 27th over but he showed great spirit in the way he came and bowled,` said Gavaskar. "These are the things we should enjoy. It tells you a lot about this Indian team that they were at the Australians and they got the early wicket. If they hadn`t got the early wicket, if Australia had gotten to a 60 or 70 for 0 kind of start, then their body language might have been different," he added. With the Indian bowlers once again stealing the show, it was a test of facing 11 overs of quality pace bowling for the batsmen in the closing stages of the opening day. While Shubman Gill came out with flying colours, having hit an unbeaten 38-ball 28, Mayank Agarwal failed to stand up and get counted as he fell for a duck. At stumps, India`s score read 36/1 with Gill batting on 28 and Cheteshwar Pujara giving him company on 7. The visitors trail by 159 runs with nine wickets in the bag.

Ind vs Aus: Gavaskar doesn't wish to talk about Rahane's captaincy fearing accusation

Ravichandra Ashwin was one of the fewest players in Team India who had a successful spell during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The spin wizard got some crucial wickets for the hosts including in-form batsman Steve Smith.&nbsp;

However, Ashwin's position was in doubt if Ravindra Jadeja would have been fit for the match. Ravichandran Ashwin has had prolific spinner for India and has been consistent with his performance when the team tours abroad, but his place in the playing XI has always been in doubt. Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar talked about this and said that Ashwin has been the victim for his ‘forthrightness’ and ‘speaking his mind at meetings’.

“For far too long Ashwin has suffered not for his bowling ability of which only the churlish will have doubts, but for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings where most others just nod even if they don’t agree,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

Ashwin has performed well for India in the longest format. The Chennai-based player has performed both with the bat and bowl.&nbsp;

“Any other country would welcome a bowler who has more than 350 Test wickets and not to forget four-Test match centuries, too.

“However, if Ashwin doesn’t take heaps of wickets in one game he is invariably sidelined for the next one. That does not happen to established batsmen though. Even if they fail in one game they get another chance and another and another but for Ashwin, the rules seem to be different,” Gavaskar wrote.

Ravichandra Ashwin was one of the fewest players in Team India who had a successful spell during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The spin wizard got some crucial wickets for the hosts including in-form batsman Steve Smith.

Ravichandra Ashwin was one of the fewest players in Team India who had a successful spell during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The spin wizard got some crucial wickets for the hosts including in-form batsman Steve Smith. However, Ashwin's position was in doubt if Ravindra Jadeja would have been fit for the match. Ravichandran Ashwin has had prolific spinner for India and has been consistent with his performance when the team tours abroad, but his place in the playing XI has always been in doubt. Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar talked about this and said that Ashwin has been the victim for his ‘forthrightness’ and ‘speaking his mind at meetings’. “For far too long Ashwin has suffered not for his bowling ability of which only the churlish will have doubts, but for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings where most others just nod even if they don’t agree,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. Ashwin has performed well for India in the longest format. The Chennai-based player has performed both with the bat and bowl. “Any other country would welcome a bowler who has more than 350 Test wickets and not to forget four-Test match centuries, too. “However, if Ashwin doesn’t take heaps of wickets in one game he is invariably sidelined for the next one. That does not happen to established batsmen though. Even if they fail in one game they get another chance and another and another but for Ashwin, the rules seem to be different,” Gavaskar wrote.

'Ashwin suffered for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings': Sunil Gavaskar

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar criticised team management over "double standards" in terms of treating their players. Batting great Gavaskar cited skipper Kolhi's paternity leave as an example of how there are different rules for different players in Team India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-felt-was-missing-sachin-tendulkar-opines-on-indias-adelaide-defeat-vs-australia-351848" hreflang="en">'I felt was missing...': Sachin Tendulkar opines on India’s Adelaide defeat vs Australia</a>

Team India skipper Virat Kohli left Australia to be with his wife Anushka Sharma or the birth of their first child. The leave was granted to skipper Kohli ahead of India-Australia series. Rahane will lead Team India for remaining three Tests against hosts Australia. However, Gavaskar slammed the board and questioned why was T Natarajan not allowed to leave when he became a father during the IPL 2020 playoffs.

Sunrisers star Natrajan had an impressive IPL 2020 season, he became a father in November this year. But, the paceman did not leave after the end of Indian Premier League as he was included in the bowling unit for the Tour in Australia. Natrajan left a mark in the series with match-winning performances for the Men in Blue.

"Another player who will wonder about the rules, but, of course, can’t make any noise about it as he is a newcomer. It is T. Natarajan. The left-arm yorker specialist who made an impressive debut in the T20 and had Hardik Pandya gallantly offering to share the man of the T20 series prize with him had become a father for the first time even as the IPL playoffs were going on," wrote Gavaskar in his column for Sportstar.

"He was taken to Australia directly from UAE and then looking at his brilliant performances, he was asked to stay on for the Test series but not as a part of the team but as a net bowler. Imagine that. A match-winner, albeit in another format, being asked to be a net bowler. He will thus return home only after the series ends in the third week of January and get to see his daughter for the first time then. And there is the captain going back after the first Test for the birth of his first child. That’s Indian cricket," Gavaskar added further.

Gavaskar went on to slam the team for not using R Ashwin properly despite being a prolific wicket-taker in the series.&nbsp;

"Different rules for different people. If you don’t believe me ask Ravi Ashwin and T. Natarajan," Gavaskar concluded his column.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar criticised team management over "double standards" in terms of treating their players. Batting great Gavaskar cited skipper Kolhi's paternity leave as an example of how there are different rules for different players in Team India.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar criticised team management over "double standards" in terms of treating their players. Batting great Gavaskar cited skipper Kolhi's paternity leave as an example of how there are different rules for different players in Team India. Also read: 'I felt was missing...': Sachin Tendulkar opines on India’s Adelaide defeat vs Australia Team India skipper Virat Kohli left Australia to be with his wife Anushka Sharma or the birth of their first child. The leave was granted to skipper Kohli ahead of India-Australia series. Rahane will lead Team India for remaining three Tests against hosts Australia. However, Gavaskar slammed the board and questioned why was T Natarajan not allowed to leave when he became a father during the IPL 2020 playoffs. Sunrisers star Natrajan had an impressive IPL 2020 season, he became a father in November this year. But, the paceman did not leave after the end of Indian Premier League as he was included in the bowling unit for the Tour in Australia. Natrajan left a mark in the series with match-winning performances for the Men in Blue. "Another player who will wonder about the rules, but, of course, can’t make any noise about it as he is a newcomer. It is T. Natarajan. The left-arm yorker specialist who made an impressive debut in the T20 and had Hardik Pandya gallantly offering to share the man of the T20 series prize with him had become a father for the first time even as the IPL playoffs were going on," wrote Gavaskar in his column for Sportstar. "He was taken to Australia directly from UAE and then looking at his brilliant performances, he was asked to stay on for the Test series but not as a part of the team but as a net bowler. Imagine that. A match-winner, albeit in another format, being asked to be a net bowler. He will thus return home only after the series ends in the third week of January and get to see his daughter for the first time then. And there is the captain going back after the first Test for the birth of his first child. That’s Indian cricket," Gavaskar added further. Gavaskar went on to slam the team for not using R Ashwin properly despite being a prolific wicket-taker in the series. "Different rules for different people. If you don’t believe me ask Ravi Ashwin and T. Natarajan," Gavaskar concluded his column.

'Different rules for different people': Gavaskar questions team management on why Natarajan was not given paternity leave

Indian Premier League has always been a league of batsmen playing explosive innings. However, the latest edition of the tournament has witnessed many young bowlers rising to the occasion and saving the day for the team.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-sunrisers-hyderabad-bag-huge-win-as-kings-xi-punjab-fail-again-333615" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad bag huge win as Kings XI Punjab fail again</a>

During a post-match show, Sunil Gavaskar revealed a name&nbsp;of one such bowler that "all franchises want". According to the little master, Rashid Khan has been an asset for the Sunrisers.

IN PICS:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-warner-to-bhuvi-srh-players-sweat-it-out-before-clash-with-kkr-330455" hreflang="en">From Warner to Bhuvi: SRH players sweat it out before clash</a>

He said: "You ask all the captains of the franchises, which is the one bowler that they want in their team, I am pretty certain every one of them will say ‘give me Rashid’. I am pretty certain. There might be the odd bowler who might get offended but look at the way he goes about his job."&nbsp;

"He picks up wickets, creates dot balls. Look at the economy – 3 for 12 in 4 overs. Leg-spinners generally bowls a full toss, a short ball. He hardly ever does it. He is on the target every single time, he has got a nice, well-disguised googly which comes off the back of the hand. A lot of batsmen find it difficult to pick. That kind of bowling, that kind of control, any captain will say ‘give me that bowler’," he added.

Rashid Khan played a crucial role puncturing the KXIP batting line up during a crucial chase in the must-win match last night.&nbsp;

Rashid Khan gave the credit to SRH batsmen to pose a good total. The team managed to wipe out KXIP within 17 overs.&nbsp;

Indian Premier League has always been a league of batsmen playing explosive innings. However, the latest edition of the tournament has witnessed many young bowlers rising to the occasion and saving the day for the team.

Indian Premier League has always been a league of batsmen playing explosive innings. However, the latest edition of the tournament has witnessed many young bowlers rising to the occasion and saving the day for the team. Also read: IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad bag huge win as Kings XI Punjab fail again During a post-match show, Sunil Gavaskar revealed a name of one such bowler that "all franchises want". According to the little master, Rashid Khan has been an asset for the Sunrisers. IN PICS: From Warner to Bhuvi: SRH players sweat it out before clash He said: "You ask all the captains of the franchises, which is the one bowler that they want in their team, I am pretty certain every one of them will say ‘give me Rashid’. I am pretty certain. There might be the odd bowler who might get offended but look at the way he goes about his job." "He picks up wickets, creates dot balls. Look at the economy – 3 for 12 in 4 overs. Leg-spinners generally bowls a full toss, a short ball. He hardly ever does it. He is on the target every single time, he has got a nice, well-disguised googly which comes off the back of the hand. A lot of batsmen find it difficult to pick. That kind of bowling, that kind of control, any captain will say ‘give me that bowler’," he added. Rashid Khan played a crucial role puncturing the KXIP batting line up during a crucial chase in the must-win match last night. Rashid Khan gave the credit to SRH batsmen to pose a good total. The team managed to wipe out KXIP within 17 overs.

'He picks up wickets...': Sunil Gavaskar names a bowler wanted by all franchises

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that CSK skipper MS Dhoni's popularity in the country has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ms-dhoni-on-the-verge-of-surpassing-suresh-rainas-record-328624" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: MS Dhoni on the verge of surpassing Suresh Raina's record</a>

Sunil Gavaskar is currently in the UAE and a part of the commentary panel in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League.

CSK skipper MS Dhoni's return to the field is the much-anticipated part of this year's IPL as the former Indian captain announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15. The last he played during the World Cup semi-finals clash against the Kiwis, 14 months ago.

Speaking about Dhoni before the IPL opener, Gavaskar said, “Since MSD comes from Ranchi, which doesn’t have a cricket culture as such, the whole India loves him. Tendulkar has Mumbai and Kolkata, Kohli has Delhi and Bengaluru but when you talk of Dhoni it’s the whole India.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-action-in-pictures-as-grand-festival-of-cricket-starts-in-uae-328877" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE</a>

Dhoni is also on the verge of breaking a record held by Suresh Raina, who will miss IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’.

Dhoni, who has numerous records under his belt, is set to become the most-capped player in IPL and is just four appearances away from surpassing the record held by Raina in IPL. ‘Thala’ has led CSK in 10 seasons in IPL while winning three titles with the Yellow Army.

Despite the tournament being played outside India and behind closed doors, CSK fans are still running high on energy as their Dhoni and Co. begin their campaign tonight.

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that CSK skipper MS Dhoni's popularity in the country has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Also read: IPL 2020: MS Dhoni on the verge of surpassing Suresh Raina's record Sunil Gavaskar is currently in the UAE and a part of the commentary panel in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League.

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that CSK skipper MS Dhoni's popularity in the country has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Also read: IPL 2020: MS Dhoni on the verge of surpassing Suresh Raina's record Sunil Gavaskar is currently in the UAE and a part of the commentary panel in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League. CSK skipper MS Dhoni's return to the field is the much-anticipated part of this year's IPL as the former Indian captain announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15. The last he played during the World Cup semi-finals clash against the Kiwis, 14 months ago. Speaking about Dhoni before the IPL opener, Gavaskar said, “Since MSD comes from Ranchi, which doesn’t have a cricket culture as such, the whole India loves him. Tendulkar has Mumbai and Kolkata, Kohli has Delhi and Bengaluru but when you talk of Dhoni it’s the whole India. IN PICS| IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE Dhoni is also on the verge of breaking a record held by Suresh Raina, who will miss IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. Dhoni, who has numerous records under his belt, is set to become the most-capped player in IPL and is just four appearances away from surpassing the record held by Raina in IPL. ‘Thala’ has led CSK in 10 seasons in IPL while winning three titles with the Yellow Army. Despite the tournament being played outside India and behind closed doors, CSK fans are still running high on energy as their Dhoni and Co. begin their campaign tonight.

'Whole India loves him': Sunil Gavaskar says Dhoni's popularity surpassed Tendulkar and Kohli

India on Wednesday won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the third and final Test at the Wanderers Stadium.

After losing two consecutive Test matches, India will seek to avoid a series whitewash.

Since the loss, it is the playing XI that has been questioned on every occasion.&nbsp;

Queries about the constant chopping and changing of the team hadn&rsquo;t gone down well with the losing captain.

Meanwhile, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar again questioned&nbsp;Indian players selection and believed&nbsp;that keeping KL Rahul will work for India.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> has won the toss and elected to bat first in the 3rd Test <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/SEpdvhhYIq">pic.twitter.com/SEpdvhhYIq</a>
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Gavaskar said the move will allow skipper Virat Kohli to have an extra batsman in Ajinkya Rahane, while also securing a place for Rohit Sharma.&nbsp;

&quot;Clearly, going into an overseas Test series with just five batsmen has not worked. Since South Africa are thinking in terms of going in with an all-pace attack, it might make sense for India to go in with Rahane and have Rahul keep wickets,&quot; said Gavaskar to a leading daily.

Ajinkya Rahane has not played in the first two Tests but could be recalled on the strength of a strong record in overseas Tests.

Dinesh Karthik was flown in as a replacement for injured wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and could play at the expense of Parthiv Patel, who had a poor game with the gloves in the second Test at Centurion.

The Wanderers could live up to its reputation as a haven for fast bowlers, especially after South African captain Faf du Plessis expressed his disappointment with the slowness of the Centurion pitch where South Africa clinched the series last week.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-needs-his-teammates-to-point-out-his-mistakes-says-sehwag-30595">Kohli&#39;s teammates should point out his mistakes: Virender Sehwag</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-south-africa-3rd-test-30473">Also read: India vs South Africa 3rd Test: India look to salvage pride</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-contradicts-shastri-on-preparation-for-sa-series-30565">Also read: Ravi Shastri says India </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-contradicts-shastri-on-preparation-for-sa-series-30565">were</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-contradicts-shastri-on-preparation-for-sa-series-30565"> unprepared for South Africa, Kohli says no</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-has-to-be-free-from-yes-men-in-order-to-grow-as-captain-graeme-smith-30478">Also read: Virat Kohli has to be free from &#39;yes-men&#39; in order to grow as Captain: Graeme Smith</a>

&nbsp;

Since the loss, it is the playing XI that has been questioned on every occasion.

India on Wednesday won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the third and final Test at the Wanderers Stadium. After losing two consecutive Test matches, India will seek to avoid a series whitewash. Since the loss, it is the playing XI that has been questioned on every occasion. Queries about the constant chopping and changing of the team hadn’t gone down well with the losing captain. Meanwhile, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar again questioned Indian players selection and believed that keeping KL Rahul will work for India. #TeamIndia has won the toss and elected to bat first in the 3rd Test #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/SEpdvhhYIq — BCCI (@BCCI) January 24, 2018 × Gavaskar said the move will allow skipper Virat Kohli to have an extra batsman in Ajinkya Rahane, while also securing a place for Rohit Sharma. "Clearly, going into an overseas Test series with just five batsmen has not worked. Since South Africa are thinking in terms of going in with an all-pace attack, it might make sense for India to go in with Rahane and have Rahul keep wickets," said Gavaskar to a leading daily. Ajinkya Rahane has not played in the first two Tests but could be recalled on the strength of a strong record in overseas Tests. Dinesh Karthik was flown in as a replacement for injured wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and could play at the expense of Parthiv Patel, who had a poor game with the gloves in the second Test at Centurion. The Wanderers could live up to its reputation as a haven for fast bowlers, especially after South African captain Faf du Plessis expressed his disappointment with the slowness of the Centurion pitch where South Africa clinched the series last week. Kohli's teammates should point out his mistakes: Virender Sehwag Also read: India vs South Africa 3rd Test: India look to salvage pride Also read: Ravi Shastri says India were unprepared for South Africa, Kohli says no Also read: Virat Kohli has to be free from 'yes-men' in order to grow as Captain: Graeme Smith

3rd Test: India opt to bat against South Africa, Rahane-Bhuvneshwar return in Playing XI

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/judicial-rift-bar-council-forms-7-member-committee-to-resolve-the-matter-29421">Judicial rift: Bar Council forms 7-member committee to resolve the matter</a>

The 7-member delegation will meet the four Supreme Court judges.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-found-nothing-took-some-documents-to-justify-themselves-chidambaram-on-ed-raids-on-kartis-residence-29407">Chidambaram terms ED raids as &#39;comedy of errors&#39;</a>

He also spoke about the absence of an FIR or any Police agency.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pawan-hans-chopper-crashes-off-mumbai-coast-4-bodies-found-29420">Pawan Hans chopper crashes off Mumbai coast, 4 bodies found</a>

So far, four bodies have been recovered, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said in a statement. The search operation is on for other missing persons.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426">19 held in connection with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426">attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426"> on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar&#39;s convoy</a>

Nitish Kumar was on a state-wide tour to take a stock of state government&#39;s development schemes over the years when his convoy came under attack.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/gavaskar-questions-indias-team-selection-for-2nd-test-29417">Gavaskar questions India&#39;s team selection for 2nd Test</a>

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

&nbsp;

Judicial rift: Bar Council forms 7-member committee to resolve the matter The 7-member delegation will meet the four Supreme Court judges. Chidambaram terms ED raids as 'comedy of errors' He also spoke about the absence of an FIR or any Police agency. Pawan Hans chopper crashes off Mumbai coast, 4 bodies found So far, four bodies have been recovered, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said in a statement. The search operation is on for other missing persons. 19 held in connection with attack on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's convoy Nitish Kumar was on a state-wide tour to take a stock of state government's development schemes over the years when his convoy came under attack. Gavaskar questions India's team selection for 2nd Test Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

WION Evening News brief, January 13, 2018

Ramachandra Guha who resigned on May 28 as the BCCI administrator citing &quot;personal reasons&quot; had actually quit because his &quot;views were at odds with the direction the Committee&quot; reveals his resignation letter which leaked in the media on Friday.

The Supreme Court had on January 30 appointed a four-member committee of administrators headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai to run the affairs of BCCI and implement court-approved recommendations of the Justice R M Lodha panel on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body.

Excerpts from &nbsp;Ramachandra Guha&#39;s resignation letter:

Sunil Gavaskar is head of a company which represents Indian cricketers while commenting on those cricketers as part of the BCCI TV commentary panel. This is a clear conflict of interest. Either he must step down/withdraw himself from PMG completely or stop being a commentator for BCCI.

I think prompt and swift action on this matter is both just and necessary. COA&rsquo;s credibility and effectiveness hinges on our being able to take bold and correct decisions on such matters. The &lsquo;superstar&rsquo; culture that afflicts the BCCI means that the more famous the player (former or present) the more leeway he is allowed in violating norms and procedures. (Dhoni was captain of the Indian team while holding a stake in a firm that represented some current India players.) This must stop &ndash; and only we can stop it.

Yet, despite my warnings, no action has been initiated in the several months that the Committee has been in operation.

The BCCI has accorded preferential treatment to some national coaches, by giving them ten-month contracts for national duty, thus allowing them to work as IPL coaches/mentors for the remaining two months. This was done in an adhoc and arbitrary manner.

I have repeatedly pointed out that it is contrary to the spirit of the Lodha Committee for coaches or the support staff of the Indian senior or junior team, or for staff at the National Cricket Academy, to have contracts in the Indian Premier League.

Conflict of interest is rampant in the State Associations as well. One famous former cricketer is contracted by media houses to comment on active players while serving as President of his State Association. Others have served as office-bearers in one Association and simultaneously as coaches or managers in another. The awarding of business contracts to friends and relatives by office-bearers is reported to be fairly widespread.

The way in which the contract of Anil Kumble, the current Head Coach of the senior team, has been handled. The Indian team&rsquo;s record this past season has been excellent; and even if the players garner the bulk of the credit, surely the Head Coach and his support staff also get some. In a system based on justice and merit, the Head Coach&rsquo;s term would have been extended. Instead, Kumble was left hanging, and then told the post would be re-advertised afresh.

Ever since the Supreme Court announced the formation of the COA, we have been inundated, individually and collectively, by hundreds of mails asking us to address various ills that afflict Indian cricket and its administration. While many of these issues were trivial or clearly beyond our purview, there was one concern that we should have done far more to address. This concerns the callous treatment to domestic cricket and cricketers, namely, those who represent their state in the Ranji Trophy, the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and other inter-state tournaments. The IPL may be Indian cricket&rsquo;s showpiece; but surely the enormous revenues it generates should be used to make our domestic players more financially secure? There are many more Indian cricketers who make their living via the Ranji Trophy than via IPL; besides, for us to have a consistently strong Test team (especially overseas) we need a robust inter-state competition and therefore must seek to compensate domestic players better.

And yet, shockingly, Ranji match fees have remained at a very low level (a mere Rs 30,000 odd for each day of play); moreover, cheques for match fees sent by the BCCI are sometimes not passed on by the state associations to the players. We need to learn from best practices in other countries, where domestic players are awarded annual contracts like those in the national team, while their match fees are reasonably competitive too.

(WION)

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Historian Ramachandra Guha, appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the four administrators of BCCI has come out hard against the COA &amp; BCCI (WION)
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Ramachandra Guha said Sunil Gavaskar's role in the cricket set-up is a 'clear case of clear conflict of interest'

Ramachandra Guha who resigned on May 28 as the BCCI administrator citing "personal reasons" had actually quit because his "views were at odds with the direction the Committee" reveals his resignation letter which leaked in the media on Friday. The Supreme Court had on January 30 appointed a four-member committee of administrators headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai to run the affairs of BCCI and implement court-approved recommendations of the Justice R M Lodha panel on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body. Excerpts from Ramachandra Guha's resignation letter: Sunil Gavaskar is head of a company which represents Indian cricketers while commenting on those cricketers as part of the BCCI TV commentary panel. This is a clear conflict of interest. Either he must step down/withdraw himself from PMG completely or stop being a commentator for BCCI. I think prompt and swift action on this matter is both just and necessary. COA’s credibility and effectiveness hinges on our being able to take bold and correct decisions on such matters. The ‘superstar’ culture that afflicts the BCCI means that the more famous the player (former or present) the more leeway he is allowed in violating norms and procedures. (Dhoni was captain of the Indian team while holding a stake in a firm that represented some current India players.) This must stop – and only we can stop it. Yet, despite my warnings, no action has been initiated in the several months that the Committee has been in operation. The BCCI has accorded preferential treatment to some national coaches, by giving them ten-month contracts for national duty, thus allowing them to work as IPL coaches/mentors for the remaining two months. This was done in an adhoc and arbitrary manner. I have repeatedly pointed out that it is contrary to the spirit of the Lodha Committee for coaches or the support staff of the Indian senior or junior team, or for staff at the National Cricket Academy, to have contracts in the Indian Premier League. Conflict of interest is rampant in the State Associations as well. One famous former cricketer is contracted by media houses to comment on active players while serving as President of his State Association. Others have served as office-bearers in one Association and simultaneously as coaches or managers in another. The awarding of business contracts to friends and relatives by office-bearers is reported to be fairly widespread. The way in which the contract of Anil Kumble, the current Head Coach of the senior team, has been handled. The Indian team’s record this past season has been excellent; and even if the players garner the bulk of the credit, surely the Head Coach and his support staff also get some. In a system based on justice and merit, the Head Coach’s term would have been extended. Instead, Kumble was left hanging, and then told the post would be re-advertised afresh. Ever since the Supreme Court announced the formation of the COA, we have been inundated, individually and collectively, by hundreds of mails asking us to address various ills that afflict Indian cricket and its administration. While many of these issues were trivial or clearly beyond our purview, there was one concern that we should have done far more to address. This concerns the callous treatment to domestic cricket and cricketers, namely, those who represent their state in the Ranji Trophy, the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and other inter-state tournaments. The IPL may be Indian cricket’s showpiece; but surely the enormous revenues it generates should be used to make our domestic players more financially secure? There are many more Indian cricketers who make their living via the Ranji Trophy than via IPL; besides, for us to have a consistently strong Test team (especially overseas) we need a robust inter-state competition and therefore must seek to compensate domestic players better. And yet, shockingly, Ranji match fees have remained at a very low level (a mere Rs 30,000 odd for each day of play); moreover, cheques for match fees sent by the BCCI are sometimes not passed on by the state associations to the players. We need to learn from best practices in other countries, where domestic players are awarded annual contracts like those in the national team, while their match fees are reasonably competitive too. (WION) Historian Ramachandra Guha, appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the four administrators of BCCI has come out hard against the COA & BCCI (WION) ×

After resigning from BCCI, Ramachandra Guha hits out at Gavaskar

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