“In India, we start salivating…”: Sunil Gavaskar preaches pace, advocates for neglected star

When the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 began, Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav was being seen as the breakaway star of this edition. His speed was awe-inspiring as he regularly clocked over 150 kmph. His case was almost similar to that of Umran Malik a few seasons ago, who broke the fast bowling record in the IPL. Umran Malik has been in the shade in IPL 2024. Mayank also did not look the same after injury kept him out for a long time.

Among such youngsters, one bowler who made a brilliant comeback was Sandeep Sharma of Rajasthan Royals. He was not sold in the auction and was included in the team in place of injured Prasidh Krishna. But he did not let it dominate him. He took five wickets against Mumbai Indians and has taken 13 wickets so far. His economy is 8.18.

In Qualifier 2 on Friday against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sharma returned with figures of 2/25 from four overs. He took the wickets of SRH top-scorer Heinrich Klaasen and opening batsman Travis Head.


Sunil Gavaskar was full of praise for Sandeep and also criticized those who get influenced by the fast pace of Indian cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar said, “In India, whenever someone bowls above 145 we start salivating. We say he is the next big thing. But bowlers need cleverness which Sandeep Sharma has No one talks about it from the Indian side. They are performing consistently.” In the air.

Although Sandeep has consistently performed well in the IPL for various franchises, he has never been given a consistent opportunity in the national team.

On being called under-rated, Sharma recently told The Indian Express, “I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it.” Sometimes I feel like I haven’t got my due, the one I should have got. (Sometimes I feel like I never got the credit I deserved). But that’s okay. I am no longer 23-24 years old. By the end of this tournament, I will be 31 years old. Some things are not in your control.”