Sunil Gavaskar Tears into British Media Over Lord’s Ball‑Change Row

Last Updated Jul - 12 - 2025, 03:30 PM | Source : Fela News

Legend Sunil Gavaskar defends Shubman Gill, ridicules British media over ball‑change controversy at Lord’s, calling attention to perceived unfair scrutiny and d

On Day 2 of the third Test at Lord’s, India skipper Shubman Gill and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj confronted the umpires after the Dukes ball failed the hoop test multiple times within just ten overs. Gill was visibly exasperated, even seizing the ball, while Siraj voiced his frustration loudly.

At that moment, Sunil Gavaskar, watching from the commentary box, sprang to defend his compatriots. He pointed out that the ball looked more like a 20‑overs old one, not just ten and if such a thing happened in India, British media would have sensationalised it even more. His rebuke wasn’t just about the ball it highlighted a broader issue: perceived bias against India by the overseas press.

Gavaskar’s sharp defence struck a chord with fans. It wasn’t just about Shubman Gill’s heated exchange with the umpires it was about who gets judged more harshly under the global microscope.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain also acknowledged a “serious issue” with the Dukes ball changed twice in quick succession and questioned the frequency of replacements, calling it excessive. Meanwhile, England legend Stuart Broad weighed in too, describing the recurring ball swaps as “unacceptable” and demanding more durability from Dukes balls.

The Lord’s ball‑change saga quickly turned into a broader debate: it wasn’t just about an oval object’s shape it was about fairness, impartial media, and national pride. Gavaskar’s bold criticism reminded everyone that cricket is not only played on the field but is also shaped by the stories that follow. For India, every aspect from the ball to the headlines now comes with national sentiment attached.

As the series is moving forward, the incident remains a topic of discussion: poor equipment, umpiring challenges and the fight for the fairness of the media, they are all coming up under international monitoring. This issue has become even faster with the voice of Gavaskar, and the conversation about fairness in cricket is now gaining momentum.