In the unpredictable world of cricket, where weather can turn heroes into footnotes overnight, Sunil Gavaskar's voice cut through the post-match haze like a well-timed cover drive. The legendary Indian opener didn't hold back after India's heartbreaking seven-wicket loss to Australia in the rain-soaked first ODI of their 2025 series in Perth. With the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method once again stealing the spotlight, Gavaskar unleashed a passionate critique, championing a fairer alternative and rallying behind the comeback kings Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As the series heads to Adelaide, his words are a rallying cry for Indian fans hoping for redemption.

Rain in Perth: A Match Marred by Mother Nature and Math

October 19, 2025, at Perth Stadium was supposed to mark a triumphant return for Indian cricket's dynamic duo, but instead, it became a soggy saga of frustration. India, batting first under darkening skies, managed a gritty 136/9 in their reduced 26 overs. Multiple rain interruptions had shrunk the game, forcing umpires to invoke the DLS formula to set Australia's target at a baffling 131—just five runs shy of India's total. What followed was a clinical chase, with Australia romping home in 21.1 overs, leaving the visitors shell-shocked and supporters scratching their heads.

The bounce of Perth's notorious pitch was tough enough, but the real villain, according to many, was the DLS method itself. Devised to adjust targets in interrupted games, it often leaves teams batting first feeling shortchanged. In this case, India's middle-order fightback couldn't bridge the arbitrary gap created by the algorithm. Gavaskar, commentating for India Today, captured the sentiment perfectly: "I don't think too many people understand that method, but it's been there for a long time." His frustration echoed a long-standing debate in cricket circles, where fairness feels as elusive as a spinner's googly on a turning track.

Gavaskar's VJD Pitch: Why the Indian Alternative Deserves a Bat

Enter the VJD method—V Jayadevan's brainchild, an Indian engineer's decade-long labor of love that's been quietly revolutionizing domestic cricket since 2007. Gavaskar, who championed its adoption in India back then, sees it as the antidote to DLS's quirks. Unlike the Stern-adjusted version, which relies heavily on historical data and resource percentages, VJD emphasizes parity by factoring in overs lost and wickets fallen more intuitively. "There was an Indian who came up with the VJD method, which I thought was a lot better because it made things even for both teams," Gavaskar remarked, his tone laced with the authority of someone who's faced down typhoons on the field.

Imagine if VJD had been in play: Australia's target might have edged closer to 140, giving India's bowlers a fighting chance. Gavaskar's call isn't just nostalgia; it's a plea for evolution. The ICC trialed tweaks before, so why not give this homegrown gem a global spin? In a sport where every run counts, ditching the opacity of DLS for VJD's transparency could restore faith in rain rules, ensuring no team feels robbed by raindrops.

Rohit and Kohli: From Perth Blues to Adelaide Boom?

Amid the downpour of criticism, Gavaskar played the elder statesman, shielding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the early barbs. The duo's seven-month hiatus since the Champions Trophy had built sky-high expectations, only for reality to bite hard. Rohit scratched around for 8 off 14 balls before Josh Hazlewood castled him, while Kohli, facing eight dots of menace from Mitchell Starc, fell for a golden duck. It wasn't the fireworks fans craved, but Gavaskar waved away the panic. "It wasn't just the two of them," he said, pointing to the broader top-order woes on that bouncy beast of a pitch. Even regulars like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer struggled against the extra zip.

The master batsman is betting big on their revival. "Don't be surprised if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score big in the next two games," he predicted. After all, rust shakes off quicker than dew on a morning outfield. With net sessions and throwdowns from reserve pacers, expect the Hitman and King Kohli to rediscover their groove. India, fresh off Champions Trophy glory, boasts a lineup capable of 300-plus totals. Gavaskar's faith isn't blind—it's forged from knowing these warriors thrive under pressure. The second ODI in Adelaide on October 23? Kohli's haunted that ground with two centuries before. Fireworks incoming.

Looking Ahead: Fair Play and Indian Resilience

Sunil Gavaskar's outburst isn't mere griping; it's a blueprint for better cricket. Reviving the VJD debate could level the playing field, while his nod to Rohit and Kohli reminds us that comebacks are cricket's real thrillers. As India eyes series-leveling glory Down Under, one thing's clear: in this game of glorious uncertainties, legends like Gavaskar keep the spirit alive. Will the seniors silence doubters? Tune in—the bounce is just beginning.

Read Also: Navjot Singh Sidhu Debunks Viral Fake Quote on Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir Amid India's Cricket Shake-Up

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