They Worked Hard to Earn Their India Cap, Dravid Hits Out at Gavaskar

Rahul Dravid was heavily chastised over his team selection for the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka, in which he made six changes to the playing XI.

Former cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, was among those who raised concerns, said that players were receiving India caps far too quickly and without completely deserving them.

Unlike the third ODI,  Dravid completely changed the playing XI for the second T20 because he had no choice. Eight more players were identified as Krunal Pandya's close contacts after he tested positive for coronavirus and were placed in isolation, thereby eliminating them from the series.

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India was down to 11 men due to the absence of nine players, and the Indian team entered the match with only five specialist batsmen and six bowlers.

Rahul Dravid further criticized critics of his team selection, claiming that making the Indian squad in a country with so many players demonstrates that the players have something exceptional about them.

Dravid also stated that the selectors did not send them to warm the bench or on a paid vacation and that they completely deserved the opportunity they were given.

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"They're working hard to earn their India caps. That argument makes no sense to me. What exactly do you mean when you say you've earned your India cap? As I previously stated, if you're chosen for a team of 15 – with Covid, it's now 20 – you're chosen with the understanding that you may be called upon to play in the 11 at any time. You've more than earned the right to wear that hat. It's up to you to seize the chance and make the most of it."

Meanwhile, despite missing some key players, India put up a valiant battle against the hosts and even got the game to overtime, but it wasn't their day and they finished on the losing end of the scoreline.