Search icon
Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 17:16 IST, September 18th 2023

'Why would Bharat lose...?': Sunil Gavaskar slams netizens for spreading fake narrative

India's triumph was characterized by a clinical performance, notably fueled by Mohammed Siraj's dominant display with the ball during the powerplay.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
Indian players celebrate a fall of wicket (Image: PTI/AP) | Image: self

India secured a resounding victory by 10 wickets over Sri Lanka on Sunday, clinching the Asia Cup 2023 title. India's triumph was characterized by a clinical performance, notably fueled by Mohammed Siraj's dominant display with the ball during the powerplay, resulting in Sri Lanka being bowled out for a mere 50 runs. Subsequently, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan efficiently chased down the modest target in just 6.1 overs. 

3 things you need to know

  • India beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to win their 8th Asia Cup title
  • Mohammed Siraj won the player of the match for his figures of 6/21
  • This was one of the shortest ODI matches played in the history of the game

Also Read: WATCH: Ishan Kishan Imitates Virat Kohli, Former India Captain Gives It Back Straightaway

Sunil Gavaskar slams conspiracy theorists from Pakistan

As India celebrated their historic 8th Asia Cup victory, Sunil Gavaskar strongly criticized those who entertained the notion, even briefly, that Rohit Sharma and his team intentionally wanted to lose their Super 4 match against Sri Lanka to prevent Pakistan from reaching the final. The India vs. Sri Lanka clash last Wednesday turned out to be the most evenly-fought game of the Asia Cup 2023. Gavaskar dismissed these baseless allegations and criticized those who entertained such absurd ideas. 

Sri Lanka gave India a real challenge before Rohit Sharma and his squad sealed the victory with a 41-run margin. However, when India faced difficulties, first by getting bowled out for 213 runs and later encountering a counter-attacking partnership from Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage, a certain segment of the public, especially those across the border, suggested a 'conspiracy' to eliminate Pakistan from contention.

"What a tight slap on the faces of all those across the Western border who were screaming and shrieking that Bharat after being dismissed for 213 against Sri Lanka was purposely losing the game so as to deprive Pakistan of a place in the final. Did these brainless people even think of the possibility that after Bharat loses the game to Sri Lanka and then Pakistan beat Sri Lanka and the Bharat v Bangladesh game gets rained off, it was Bharat who would not have qualified for the final. So why would Bharat lose deliberately to Sri Lanka? Morons," Gavaskar wrote in Mid-Day.

Also Read: Sri Lankan Groundsmen Rejoice As They Receive Massive Gift From Jay Shah

India were the most dominating team in the tournament and deserved to win the title on Sunday. The victory has come as a big boost for the team as it happened weeks before the start of the highly-anticipated ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. India will host the marquee event from October 5 to November 19. The Men in Blue will play their first match against Australia in Chennai on October 8. 

Image: PTI/AP

Updated 17:16 IST, September 18th 2023

LIVE TV

Republic TV is India's no.1 English news channel since its launch.