'No one talks about him': Sunil Gavaskar picks an IPL veteran over bowlers with 140+ pace appeal

During SRH vs RR IPL 2024 Qualifier 2, legendary India batsman and commentator Sunil Gavaskar took a moment to shine spotlight on Rajasthan Royals pacer Sandeep Sharma. Despite allure of raw speed often capturing helines, Gavaskar highlighted skill and effectiveness of Sharma's bowling performance.

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Sunil Gavaskar showers immense praise on Sandeep Sharma

In high-stakes match, Sandeep Sharma demonstrated his craft by varying his pace and delivering a frugal spell, conceding only 25 runs in his allotted four overs. His disciplined bowling also earned him two crucial wickets, contributing significantly to his team's efforts. Gavaskar, impressed by Sharma’s tactical acumen, emphasized importance of recognizing such talents.

“Whenever someone bowls over 140kmph, we begin salivating, but no one talks about him as an India prospect. Look at slower bowls, it shows cleverness,” Gavaskar remarked during brocast.

2024 IPL season has seen many young, fast bowlers breaking onto scene with ir impressive pace, consistently clocking over 140 kmph. While se speedsters often steal limelight, Gavaskar's comments serve as a reminder that speed alone is not sole determinant of a bowler's effectiveness. Sandeep Sharma, with his strategic variations and control, offers a different yet equally valuable skill set.

Sharma’s performance in Qualifier 2 was a masterclass in utilizing experience and cricketing intelligence. By consistently mixing up his deliveries and maintaining accuracy, he managed to stifle  opposition's run flow and apply pressure, a critical component in T20 cricket where every run counts.

Gavaskar’s praise is a testament to Sharma’s abilities and highlights often-overlooked aspect of cricketing nuance. In a format dominated by search for express pace, bowlers like Sandeep Sharma, who can think on ir feet and apt to match situations, play a crucial role. His ability to re game and just his approach accordingly makes him an invaluable asset to his team.

Courtesy of Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, and Avesh Khan, SRH could not post a mammoth total on board and h to settle with a par total of 175 at loss of 9 wickets after 20 overs.