Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized South African great AB de Villiers for commenting on Shreyas Iyer’s omission from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. The controversy began when de Villiers, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned why Iyer was left out of India’s 15-member team.
De Villiers suggested that Iyer’s absence could not be explained by performance alone. He hinted that “something behind the scenes” might have influenced the decision. According to him, Iyer has been in good form as a batter and captain in both the IPL and domestic cricket. De Villiers even went as far as saying that Iyer’s selection might have caused “ego clashes” within the squad.
In Cricket Gavaskar’s Strong Response
Gavaskar, never one to hold back, responded sharply in his Sportstar column. He questioned why foreign cricketers were interfering in matters that concern only India. In his words,
“What is baffling is that foreigners, who have no stake in Indian cricket, wade into the debate, adding fuel to the fire. However great they may be as players, the selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their business.”
Gavaskar reminded everyone that India does not comment on team selections in other countries. He asked why overseas players cannot follow the same principle.
“Have you ever heard Indian ex-cricketers talk about the selection of other countries’ teams? No, we mind our own business. So why butt your nose into India’s team matters?”
According to him, de Villiers and others should focus on their own cricket boards and players, not on India’s internal decisions.
Media’s Role in the Issue
Interestingly, Gavaskar did not stop at criticizing foreign players. He also blamed the Indian media for seeking out overseas to give opinions.
He wrote that when the Indian team tours abroad, reporters often chase retired foreign players for interviews players who, in many cases, are hardly remembered in their own countries. This, he said, creates the impression that Indian cricket needs validation from outsiders.
“It’s almost as if the media feels Indian cricket must be endorsed by overseas players. That is why such comments keep coming,” he explained.
Gavaskar also hinted that foreign players give these opinions because it helps them remain relevant and grow their social media following.
Respect for Boundaries
The former India captain’s main point was simple: team selection is India’s internal matter. He argued that no matter how great someone has been as a cricketer, if they are not connected to Indian cricket, they should not interfere.
He said that when countries like South Africa, Australia, or England announce their squads, Indian cricketers do not step in to analyze or criticize their decisions. So, the same respect should be shown in return.
Bigger Picture
This exchange highlights a larger issue in modern cricket the global visibility of Indian cricket. Because of the IPL’s worldwide popularity, many foreign players feel connected to Indian cricket and its players. Fans also want to hear their views. However, for someone like Gavaskar, who strongly values Indian independence in cricketing matters, this constant commentary from outsiders feels unnecessary and disrespectful.
The debate also shows how game is no longer just about the game on the field. With YouTube channels, social media platforms, and 24×7 sports coverage, every selection or omission can turn into an international discussion.
Conclusion
To sum up, AB de Villiers’ comments on Shreyas Iyer’s omission triggered a strong reaction from Sunil Gavaskar. De Villiers felt that Iyer’s exclusion was suspicious and not purely performance-related. Gavaskar, however, shot back, saying that foreign players should stay out of India’s selection debates. He emphasized that Indian cricketers never interfere in others’ team matters, and it’s time outsiders followed the same rule.
He also pointed a finger at the Indian media for giving foreign players a platform in the first place. According to him, this cycle only adds confusion and gives undue importance to opinions that should not matter.
In the end, Gavaskar’s words underline his message: Indian should be judged by Indians, not by outsiders.
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