Sunil Gavaskar had openly criticized Virat Kohli© BCCI/Sportzpics
Indian cricket greats Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar unexpectedly faced off after the former openly criticized commentators and pundits for questioning his strike rate and struggles against spinners. Gavaskar, in a reply on Live TV, went on a fiery tirade as he criticized Kohli for wanting 'appreciation for a strike rate of 118', while also lashing out at broadcaster Star Sports for repeatedly repeating the Royal Challengers' tirade Bengaluru batters had shown on TV. Reacting to the controversy, Pakistani cricket great Wasim Akram sided with Gavaskar and said Virat should not have said what he did.
Gavaskar is one of those experts who does not believe in twisting his words, be it as a commentator or as an expert. He was not happy with Kohli pulling out all the stops against him and other critics, despite earlier suggesting that he does not read what is being said on social media.
“Both are greats. Sunny Bhai, as a cricketer, as a human being, I know him off the field. As a commentator, he has been doing it for God knows how many years, probably more than two and a half years.” And as for the big man, Virat Kohli, he is a top player, a modern great. In fact, he is an all-time great in history considering the kind of feats he has accomplished. But I don't think Virat should do that I said it,” Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda.
While Virat and Gavaskar's feud made a lot of headlines, Akram doesn't feel either of them will drag out the banter as they both move on quickly.
“It's the commentators' job. If he got slow in a few games and he [Gavaskar] said something, forget it. Virat is not that kind of person. Both are proud Indians; both are greats. It's OK; they'll both be moving pretty soon. Don't think either will take it personally. They'll be fine, I know that. I'm telling you now. I know both of them very well,” Akram added.
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