In a game largely controlled by the Aussies, they set up a comprehensive 209-run victory over India on the fifth and final day.
The result enraged Gavaskar, as he directed his frustration towards the poor performance of the Indian players throughout the match, with special mention of Kohli.
“The batting was poor today. What we saw today was ridiculous. Especially the shot making. We saw some normal shots from (Cheteshwar) Pujara yesterday, shots you would never expect to play,” he said.
Gavaskar told broadcaster Star Sports, “Maybe someone has gone into his mind and is saying ‘strike rate, strike rate’. You haven’t even had a session. Eight wickets haven’t lasted a session? Come on.”
The result meant that India’s overwhelming record in ICC tournaments continued.
Australian pacer Scott Boland produced a bowling spell of rare quality to get rid of Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the same over, effectively shutting the door on India, who were bundled out for 234 in their second innings on the final day here at The Oval. But got out.
Gavaskar said that the Indian batsmen consistently made mistakes around their individual spots, citing a pattern.
Talking about Kohli’s dismissal, Gavaskar said, “It was a very normal shot. Outside off stump. He was going till then. Maybe he was conscious that he needed one run to reach his fifty.” Was needed. That’s what happens when you’re close to a milestone.” ,
“It happened to Jadeja. He played a delivery he shouldn’t have played at 48. Happened to Ajinkya Rahane who was 46. He hadn’t played that shot for so long. Why suddenly you play that shot? Let’s play.” , Because you know about that landmark.”
After scoring 49 off 78 balls, Kohli was the first Indian to be dismissed on the final day after Boland invited the batsman to go for a drive on a wide delivery and the batsman obliged.
Slamming Kohli for his shot selection, Gavaskar said, “It was a poor shot. You should ask Kohli which shot he played. He talks a lot about how to win the match, you need a Long innings are required. How are you going to do it if you play the ball so far outside the off stump?”
This was India’s second successive WTC final defeat after losing to New Zealand in 2021 in the inaugural edition.
Set an impossible target of 444, India started the day at 164 for three, but soon lost batting mainstay Kohli, followed by Jadeja (0) and Rahane (43) for 234 in 63.3 overs. But was dismissed, losing seven wickets for only 70 runs. ,
(With PTI inputs)