'Yaar Pehle Match Toh Hone Do': Sunil Gavaskar Slams Fan, Defends Harshal Patel

Sunil Gavaskar got miffed with a fan's query while he was sharing his views on recently announced India's 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2022.

Harshal Patel, who missed Asia Cup 2022 after being injured, was picked in India's T20 WC squad on Monday.

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T20 World Cup 2022: Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar got miffed with a fan during a Q/A session on Sports Tak when he was asked a question about young India pacer Harshal Patel. Gavaskar, an expert with the media channel, was quick to come up with a befitting reply to the fan. The legendary batter was sharing his views on recently announced India's 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2022. Harshal Patel, who missed Asia Cup 2022 after being injured, was picked in India's T20 WC squad on Monday.

"Harshal can get smashed for runs in Australia. He doesn't have much pace and given the kind of pitches that there are Down Under, batters can attack him," read the fan's question. 

Gavaskar responded to his query by saying," Aagey jaa kar dekhenge na unki pitai kaise ho sakti hai. Aap ne pehle se hi tay kar diya, pitai hogi kyuki who slow bowling karte hain. Yaar pehle match toh hone do. Uske baad aap bol sakte hain 'Aisa ho gaya, waisa ho gaya'.

"We will see that once the tournament starts. How can you already decide that he will go for runs? You came to a conclusion because he bowls slow. At least let the match happen first. Then sure, you can say that 'This happened, that happened'," replied Gavaskar during the show on Sports Tak.

Apart from Harshal, Jasprit Bumrah is another star who returned to national squad after an injury. Hardik Pandya will play T20 WC 2022 as India's third bowling option if skipper Rohit picks a playing XI with two main pace bowlers. However, Gavaskar feels team India might pick a fourth seam option depending on external factors.

"India can even go in with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (as the fourth pacer). But it will depend on what the conditions are and who the opposition is. If there is grass, then include three pacers and one spinner. If it is overcast or dew, you can pick one more seamer. It's good that there is are so many options in this well-rounder Indian squad," pointed out Gavaskar.