'I'm sorry. You are not a batter': Gavaskar slams foreign media over hypocrisy on Newlands pitch

Sunil Gavaskar, the ex-Indian cricketer, has criticized foreign media for what he perceives as their double standards regarding pitch conditions. During the second Test match between India and South Africa in Cape Town, where 23 wickets tumbled in a single day, Gavaskar observed that no scrutiny was directed at the pitch quality by the foreign media. 

3 things you need to know

• South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first
• The Proteas were bowled out for 55 runs in the first innings
• India are on theverge of securing their maiden Test win in Cape Town

Also Read: Virat Kohli runs towards Dean Elger to hug him after SA batter comes off his final swansong - WATCH

Sunil Gavaskar slams foreign media

Sunil Gavaskar argued that had a comparable situation unfolded in India, the international media would likely have accused the Indian cricket community of intentionally preparing a challenging wicket for batters. He went on criticise the foreign media for not questioning their players over their lack of ability to play on turning pitches.  

"This is what test cricket is all about. You are going to be tested. And I honestly believe I've always believed that if you cannot play on pitches where the ball turns into the batter, you know there is a tendency amongst the SENA country's media, particularly if you think that you know, if you can't play on fast, bouncy pitches, you're not a batter," Gavaskar said. 

"I'm sorry. You are not a batter if you can't play the turning pitch because over here for the bouncy pitch, there are two movements here. There for four spinners, where the ball is turning, you've got to go down the pitch. You've got to use the crease. All the shots can be exhibited," he added.

"So that's you know what? I think, sadly, you know, our media should be actually writing about this. You know, our media should be talking about the fact that you know, but our media is so dependent sometimes not all the time on getting interviews with players, so they do not want to upset anybody. So they will not question the batting ability of some of the overseas guys because of that. But that's the way," Gavaskar concluded.

As far as the match is concerned, India bowled South Africa out for just 55 runs in the first innings. Mohammed Siraj picked up a six-wicket haul in the opening innings of the Test match. India then posted 153 runs on the board. The Indian innings also witnessed a collapse as six wickets fell down without a single run scored in a matter of just 11 balls. India went from 153/4 to 153 all-out. 

On Day 2 of the match, India bowled South Africa out for 176 runs in their second innings, conceding a lead of 78 runs. Jasprit Bumrah picked up a six-wicket haul. India will need 79 runs to win the match and create history. India have never won a Test match in Cape Town.