As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches in the UAE, India gears up to defend its title under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The BCCI recently announced the 15-member squad for the continental tournament, but the exclusion of prominent names like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts alike. While internal discussions are expected, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed surprise at the involvement of former international players in the controversy.

Gavaskar acknowledged that any squad announcement for a high-profile tournament like the Asia Cup naturally invites scrutiny from Indian media, fans, and cricket pundits. However, he finds it baffling when foreign ex-cricketers, with no direct stake or deep understanding of Indian cricket, wade into these debates.

“What is baffling is foreigners who have zero stake in Indian cricket, and much less knowledge about it, wading into the debate and adding fuel to the fire. However great they may be as players and however many times they may have been to India, the selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their business. They should focus on their country’s cricket and let us Indians worry about our cricket,” Sunil Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

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Gavaskar also criticised the influence of social media on such commentary. He explained that reactions from Indian fans often boost the visibility and follower count of overseas cricketers, encouraging them to comment, often negatively, on Indian cricket.

“One of the fastest ways to increase numbers is by commenting on matters Indian. Mostly negatively. There is a huge reaction from Indian keyboard users, which in turn boosts their follower count. So many overseas cricketers have made a living by needling Indian cricket lovers,” Sunil Gavaskar noted.

The legendary batsman also pointed out that the Indian media plays a role in amplifying foreign voices. Frequently, journalists chase former international players for their opinions on Indian cricket during overseas tours, even when those players are no longer in the limelight in their own countries.

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Sunil Gavaskar described this as an unnecessary quest for validation from overseas voices, suggesting that Indian cricket and its fans should remain confident in forming their own opinions without external interference. For Gavaskar, the Asia Cup selection debate should primarily be an internal discussion, guided by the BCCI, Indian cricket experts, and fans—free from unsolicited commentary by foreign ex-cricketers seeking attention on social media.