Cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Navjot Singh Sidhu criticize Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s running between the wickets during India’s thrilling ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory over Pakistan. Did a lapse in judgment cost India valuable runs?
India’s Thrilling Victory Overshadowed by Running Controversy
India’s electrifying win over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a nail-biter, but the match wasn’t without its talking points. While Virat Kohli’s magnificent 51st ODI century stole the headlines, criticism aimed at the running between the wickets by Kohli and Shreyas Iyer sparked a heated debate among commentators and fans alike.
Gavaskar’s Sharp Critique
Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar didn’t pull any punches, expressing his disappointment with the duo’s running. He pointed out several instances where their hesitant approach nearly cost India wickets. “Iyer was inches away from being run out,” Gavaskar remarked, adding, “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this lack of urgency from these two key players. It’s a worrying trend.” His words highlighted a recurring issue—a lack of decisiveness that could significantly impact India’s performance in future matches.
Sidhu Echoes Gavaskar’s Concerns
Fellow commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu echoed Gavaskar’s concerns, stating his bewilderment at the lack of urgency, especially given India’s dominant position in the game. “With India in control,” Sidhu noted, “there’s no excuse for such hesitancy. You simply cannot afford to gift Pakistan wickets.” Both legends emphasized the importance of sharp decision-making and aggressive running, even when the pressure is off.
Kohli’s Century: A Shining Light Amidst Criticism
Despite the criticism, Kohli’s sensational century was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. His incredible performance overshadowed the running blunders, but it also highlighted the potential for even the best players to have areas needing improvement. The incident serves as a reminder that holistic team performance requires attention to every aspect of the game.
The Bigger Picture: Tactical Awareness and Team Performance
The controversy surrounding Kohli and Iyer’s running underscores the critical need for sharp tactical awareness in high-pressure situations. The comments from Gavaskar and Sidhu are valuable lessons for the players, emphasizing the importance of decisive running and consistent performance. In the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, every run and every wicket count, highlighting the importance of minimizing errors.
Conclusion: A Valuable Lesson Learned?
India’s victory over Pakistan was a testament to Kohli’s brilliance and the team’s overall strength. However, the running incident serves as a valuable learning opportunity. While individual brilliance is vital, consistent performance across all aspects of the game is essential for achieving ultimate success. The feedback from cricketing legends like Gavaskar and Sidhu should serve as a catalyst for improvement, ensuring India’s continued dominance in future tournaments.
