In the Asia Cup 2025 Group A match against Oman, India win by 21 runs, but generate controversy around captain Suryakumar Yadav decision to not bat even after losing eight wicket. Sunil Gavaskar defend this controversial move, argue that Yadav is an “unorthodox thinker” and that the decision may had been strategic—to test Kuldeep Yadav batting in case India lose early wicket in upcoming match.

Sunil also reference previous matches pointing out Yadav bold decisions, including against Sri Lanka where he both bowl himself and promote Rinku Singh, turning the game around under pressure. He believe this kind of innovation are valuable in captaincy, showing willingness to take risk for longer-term benefit rather then always adhering to conventional batting order logic.

On the other side, Rohan Gavaskar, former India cricketer and Sunil son, was critic. He feel that if Suryakumar was not going to bat, and had sent other like Kuldeep, Arshdeep, and Harshit ahead, then India miss an opportunity to rest Yadav and give Rinku Singh a chance. Rohan question whether Yadav should just step aside in the batting rather than taking the spot in lineup without contribute.

Despite the criticism, expert and many viewer side with Sunil praise, point out that India win demonstrate such risk-taking can pay off. The debate underscore tension between conventional expectation and bold leadership decision in cricket, specially in high-stakes tournament like Asia Cup.