Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar was heavily criticised for saying he hasn't watched Australian batter Steve Smith much, despite being in the commentary panel in almost every edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sunil Gavaskar is one of the respected voices in world of cricket. It is largely because of his stature as a cricketer and astute understanding of the game.

After hanging up his boots in the late 1980s, Gavaskar has been a regular figure in the commentary box during most of India's important home and away matches and also in the ICC tournaments. His deep understanding of the game is built on the back of representing India in 125 Tests and scoring more than 10,000 runs.

The fact that he is also quite good at articulating his analysis also adds to the charm of Gavaskar the broadcaster. However, the Day 1 of India vs Australia 4th Test in Ahmedabad was an exception. The legendary cricketer landed in hot weather for his question on Australian batter Steve Smith. "I haven't seen much of Steve Smith. Is he a compulsive puller?" asked Gavaskar to former Australia opener Matthew Hayden in the commentary box.

It was during the first over after the tea break when Indian pacer Umesh Yadav bowled a barrage of bouncers at Smith to unsettle him. On the surface, Gavaskar's question was pretty normal. An Indian commentator can definitely ask about an Australian player to someone who will know his batting better.

But the fact Gavaskar was talking about Smith, who is not only one of the top batters of the world but has toured India many times in the past, is what irked the fans. Gavaskar's question on Smith drew sharp reactions from the netizens. The former India cricketer was heavily criticised for saying he hasn't watched Smith much, despite being in the commentary panel in almost every edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP