Ravi Shastri hilarious claim on India conceding no balls at Wankhede
Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled several no-balls on Day 1 of the final Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, November 1. The repeated errors didn’t sit well with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who is very particular about the execution of the basics of the sport.
One of the most repeated phrases in cricket is that spinners should refrain from bowling no-balls because of their shorter and slower run-ups. However, Sundar and Jadeja were almost involved in a competition to determine who could overstep the maximum number of times. In the end, Sundar bowled five no-balls, while Jadeja three. Fast bowler Akash Deep overstepped once as India bowled nine no-balls in total in the first innings.
“Not acceptable. With a fast bowler, it is understandable, that the momentum of the body can sometimes take your foot over the line. But spinners? Players keep saying that there are things that are not under our control. Well, this is one thing under control, so might as well, be cautious,” Gavaskar had said on-air after Sundar bowled his first no-ball.
However, as the no-balls started accumulating, Ravi Shastri hilariously claimed that Gavaskar smashed a plate on the wall in frustration while he was having his lunch.
“Sunil Gavaskar was having lunch. He smashed the plate on the wall. Thank god he’s not fielding in the slip. Washington would have been close to Washington DC,” said Shastri humorously on air.
Sunil Gavaskar is going to run after them with a mic in hand: Ian Smith
Kiwi commentator Ian Smith also mentioned Gavaskar’s name while speaking about the plethora of no-balls bowled by the Indian spinners.
“Oh dear. Another no-ball. Where is Sunny G? He is going to run after them with a mic in hand.” Gavaskar entertained the humor himself when he returned on air and said, “Yeah, don’t worry. I have my running shoes on. But on a serious note, it’s something that needs to be looked at.
India bowled out New Zealand by 235 as Jadeja and Sundar picked up five and four wickets, respectively. India reached 195/5 at Lunch Break on Day 2 and is trailing by just 40 runs. Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 60 but Shubman Gill (70*) and Jadeja (10*) are still at the crease for the home side.