IND vs SL 2017: Sunil Gavaskar Blasts Ashwin, Pujara for Sloppy Fielding: Though the Indians were on point with their batting and bowling performances in the third Test match of the recently concluded home series against Sri Lanka, we witnessed a significant low in the fielding department.
Virat Kohli and his men might have won the series comfortably, but fielding remains a concern ahead of the robust South Africa tour, which is expected to be a challenge of the highest quality.
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar lashed out on Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Ashwin for their sloppiness in the field at the Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi on Day 5. A better effort in the field from the Indians might have won the Test match for the men in blue, and Sunil Gavaskar made some no-nonsense statements ahead of the Protea tour.
“He looks like a car that runs with a handbrake on,” a furious Sunil Gavaskar said about Cheteshwar Pujara as he chased a ball near the boundary rope.
Also read: (This Is Why Virat Kohli Hates Playing Against Cheteshwar Pujara)
Pujara was not the only one who had to face the music from the legendary Indian batsman, but Ravichandran Ashwin also got a taste of it.
“There’s intent but not much progress,” chuckled Gavaskar, who was on air commentating on the match.
Even Ravindra Jadeja was not satisfied with Ravichandran Ashwin’s efforts in the field when the latter failed to stop a Roshan Silva drive. The casual attempt earned the Sri Lankans a four on the final day of the Test match.
Also read: (IND vs SL 2017: Team India’s Slip Fielding Woes Worries Pujara)
However, the last day of the Test match was marked by some brilliant batting from the Sri Lankans which allowed them to draw the Test match. Dhananjaya de Silva played an immensely matured knock to register a century while Roshan Silva and Niroshan Dickwella played their part too.
Dhananjaya was unfortunate to be retired hurt on a score of 119 while Rishan Silva (74) and Niroshan Dickwella (44) remained unbeaten till the end.
Also Read: (IND vs SL 2017, 3rd Test: Dinesh Chandimal Happy with Sri Lanka’s Batting Show after Nagpur Test)