Sunil Gavaskar has once again created controversy after calling out Mumbai Indians batters Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan for not delivering to their true potential during the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates. 

Speaking on the Star Sports show Cricket Connected, Gavaskar expressed his dissent with the two hitters and the flop-show they have had at the pitch, especially in the second leg of the IPL season in the Middle East.

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“I think it looks to me like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have just relaxed a little bit after getting the India cap," said the former Indian skipper. “They might not have, but some of the shots they are playing it looks like they are trying to play these big shots just because they are India players."

In the nine matches that Ishan Kishan has played in this season, the southpaw has managed to score just 157 runs with an average of 19.62 runs. His strike rate of 106.08 has also seen a significant dip as compared to145.76 in IPL 2020.

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On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav has scored 235 runs in 13 matches in the 2021 season with an average of 18.07 and a strike rate of 129.83 against 145.01 in IPL 2020.

“Sometimes what happens is, you gotta give yourself a little bit of time, and you have got to get your shot selection right… I think that is where they have missed this time around, where their shot selection has not been exactly correct, and that’s why they’ve got out cheaply," Gavaskar addressed the reigning champions’ biggest weak point this season.

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Another reason why Gavaskar suggests that the five-time IPL champions are struggling to live up to their reputation is because of Hardik Pandya who has not been at his 100% for a really long time now. His bowling, which made up for half of his all-round abilities, has not yet been tested this season and he hasn’t been particularly good with the bat apart from one match in the second leg. 

“Hardik Pandya, not bowling is a big blow, not just for Mumbai Indians, but for India as well, because he was taken in the team as an all-rounder. And if you are in the team, batting at No.6 or No.7, and you’re not able to bowl, then it makes it difficult for the captain. He doesn’t get the flexibility and option that is so required for somebody batting at No.6 or 7 like an all-rounder," said Gavaskar.

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However, not everyone seems to agree with the critical analysis of the former cricketer. Some have even called him out for trolling the cricketers like a teenager.

Sunil Gavaskar always very quick to judgement. Why does he behaving like 16yr old troll?
Thoda bad phase hai
Needed just one inning.

Aise bhi ek baar jo select hua usko bcci usko nikalegi nhi. Instead jo hai unko support karo

— Jay K (@tingaltawal) October 5, 2021

Sunil Gavaskar should also relax now, can't hear his boring commentary

— Prasoon Jain (@prasoonjain44) October 5, 2021

Just don't bother what this man is saying
He can say anything controversial at any time

Statements like Virat forgot his batting because he played with Anushka's balls at home

Having problems with 19-22 year old RR boys who are chilling in bus after the match

— Prajwal Pamnani (@PrajwalPamnani) October 5, 2021

kucch bhi

— Ⓐ (@Royals_ftw) October 5, 2021

Gavaskar is an overrated commentator.
He should not speak like that 4 cricketers.u must not say something u don't know 100% & more so when ur words carry impact.
As if he didn't get out on rash shots ever..
I adore him to d core 4 what he did on d pitch but I hate his comments

— Sagar garg (@DrGumsNProbes) October 5, 2021

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