“Yes, you are hurt but wait for two more deliveries…” – Sunil Gavaskar brutally bashes Shubman Gill for calling the physio in the middle of the over

During India’s third Test match against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar made a cutting comment about Shubman Gill. The third game of the four-match series between the two powerhouses has begun at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

A rough start for Rohit Sharma and company, who lost all their wickets for 109 in the first innings. With KL Rahul’s poor performances in the previous two matches, Gill’s selection in the starting XI was one of the most discussed topics in the lead-up to the game.

When going for a fast single in the seventh over of the innings, Gill was hurt when he took a brutal knock near the abdomen. The starter paused for a while and then called in the team physio. This appeared to irritate Gavaskar, who was providing commentary with Matthew Hayden. Gavaskar didn’t hold back while giving his opinion on the opener’s break behaviour.

The Sunil Gavaskar-Matthew Hayden conversation about Shubman Gill

“We’re seeing a little bit of repair work for Shubman Gill. He had dived to make his crease but I tell you what. This could have waited. This could have waited till the end of the over. There is a fast bowler who is bowling – he has bowled four deliveries; it’s hot – and you’ve given him a breather. Yes, you are hurt but wait for two more deliveries. Wait for the over to finish and get treated. You’re at the non-striker’s end, you’re not at the striker’s end. Simple things can make a difference,” Gavaskar said.

“You’re a harsh man, Sunny. That’s a real stinger,” Hayden responded.

“Yes, it is but listen you are playing for your country. Just two more deliveries. You’re at the non-striker’s. I can understand if you’re taking strike and you’ve got that discomfort. And he’s done that after two deliveries,” Gavaskar added.

Gill scored 21 runs off of just 18 balls after an outside edge was taken off of him by a delivery that spun away from him just enough from Matthew Kuhnemann. It would be interesting to watch how India responds after a difficult start in the first innings.