Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of Mithali Raj after she was shockingly dropped from the Indian team for the semi-final match at the recently concluded ICC Women’s World T20 tournament. Gavaskar said that he did not agree with the reason given by the team management to bench the senior cricketer in a knockout game.

Talking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar said, “I feel sorry for Mithali. She has a very good point…she has served Indian cricket for 20 years. She scored runs…she won player of the match in both matches (she played at the World T20).” Ramesh Powar Responds to Mithali Raj’s Claims; Says, ‘She Was Difficult to Handle’

The former cricketer didn’t hesitate in drawing comparisons between Mithali Raj and Virat Kohli. Gavaskar said, “She was injured for one game but fit for the next game. Just convert this situation into the men's game. If you had a Virat Kohli who was injured for one game and then is fit for the knockout, will you leave him out? You have to pick your best player for the knockouts…you needed the experience and expertise of Mithali Raj.” Mithali Raj T20 World Cup Selection Row: Sanjay Manjrekar Comes in Support of the Cricketer. 

Recently, Mithali Raj had written a scathing letter to the BCCI accusing the coach, Ramesh Powar, of insulting and humiliating her after being dropped in the semi-final match against England at Women’s World T20 2018. Speaking on the fallout, Gavaskar said, “What happened with Powar…is very difficult to comment on that from here. It's difficult to accept whatever the reason was…they said they wanted to stick with the same team; I don't think that's a good enough excuse. You can't drop someone like Mithali Raj.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).