Navjot Singh Sidhu has unleashed a fierce critique of Michael Vaughan following India's impressive performance on the first day of the first Test against England at Headingley. Sidhu's comments came in response to Vaughan's pre-series prediction that England would comfortably win the series 3-1, citing India's inexperience and the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
India's strong start, spearheaded by Shubman Gill's century on his captaincy debut and Yashasvi Jaiswal's stylish knock, provided Sidhu with the perfect opportunity to counter Vaughan's prediction. In a video shared by Star Sports, Sidhu didn't hold back, stating, "Fools grow without watering. Michael Vaughan, your predictions, they're always wrong." He went on to highlight Vaughan's previous incorrect predictions, including the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy where India defeated Australia despite being written off, and the recent World Test Championship final where Vaughan backed Australia to win.
Sidhu didn't just focus on past predictions; he also criticized England's bowling attack, calling them "pedestrians." He noted how the Indian batsmen were easily hitting them like spinners. "Look at your bowling attack. They're pedestrians. I mean, three of the Indian batsmen are stepping out and hitting them like spinners," Sidhu said. He further added, "Boss, noise proves nothing. Even a hen, while laying an egg, cackles as if she's laying an asteroid. Stop making the noise, do something. There is no suffering that pity will not insult. Man, you're in a pitiable situation."
Vaughan had earlier said that India had "arrived again to lose". He also criticized England captain Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first. Vaughan emphasized that England's strength lies in their batting and pointed out the inexperience in their bowling attack.
On the second day, India started at 359/3, with Gill and Pant looking to build on their strong partnership. Gill was eventually dismissed for 147, and Pant made 134. India were all out for 454.