Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his confusion on Sunday when Cricket Australia overlooked him during the presentation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Australian cricket icon Allan Border was seen presenting the trophy to the victorious captain Pat Cummins, following Australia's six-wicket triumph that secured the title after a decade. Meanwhile, Gavaskar remained unacknowledged at the edge of the boundary. In response to the situation, Cricket Australia admitted to the error.

The Australian board had previously determined that if Australia emerged victorious at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Border would present the trophy to the home team. Conversely, if India managed to retain the title by levelling the series at 2-2 with a win in the fifth Test, Gavaskar would present the trophy to the acting captain Jasprit Bumrah. However, an uncomfortable situation arose on Sunday when Gavaskar was not invited to the podium, despite being present at the venue for commentary duties.

In light of Gavaskar's reaction and the subsequent criticism from fans on social media, Cricket Australia acknowledged that it was a misstep and that both Border and Gavaskar should have jointly presented the trophy to Cummins. A spokesperson for Cricket Australia stated, "We recognize it would have been more appropriate for Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar to be invited to the stage."

'Just because I am an Indian...'

Gavaskar expressed his dissatisfaction with Cricket Australia in an interview with Code Sports following the recent oversight.

"I would have certainly appreciated the opportunity to be present for the presentation. After all, this is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which represents both Australia and India," Gavaskar remarked. "I am physically present at the venue. The fact that Australia emerged victorious should not influence the presentation. They performed better and deserved to win, which is acceptable. My nationality should not have precluded me from presenting the trophy. I would have been delighted to do so alongside my esteemed colleague, Allan Border."

Nevertheless, the seasoned Indian batsman acknowledged in a discussion with ABC Sport that he was made aware before the decisive match in Sydney that only one of them would be allowed to present the trophy, contingent on the match outcome.

"If India did not win or draw the series, my presence would not be necessary," he stated. "I do not feel disheartened, but I am somewhat confused. Given that it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both of us should have participated in the presentation."

Read Also: Virat Kohli was advised to embrace patience and channel Sachin Tendulkar's legendary SCG performance, stating, "I'm not going to chase...".

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!