Following India's victory over England at Edgbaston, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal took to social media to express his bewilderment at a perceived error by bowler Akash Deep. Lal's cryptic tweet, "Kaun sa match dekh liye?" (Which match did you watch?), ignited a flurry of reactions among fans, many interpreting it as criticism of Akash Deep's performance or understanding of the game.
While the specific incident that triggered Lal's comment remains unclear, it's important to note that Akash Deep was part of the Indian squad for the Test series against England. The match at Edgbaston was hard fought, with India ultimately outshining the hosts to secure their first Test win at the venue.
Madan Lal's comment comes in the wake of India's recent Test series against England where fielding lapses were noted as a significant factor in their defeat. Despite a strong batting performance, including multiple centuries, India's inability to capitalize on chances in the field proved costly. Lal himself has been critical of the team's bowling strategy and the lack of depth beyond Jasprit Bumrah. He has also urged patience in judging the new coach, Gautam Gambhir.
In the Edgbaston test, India displayed a performance of the highest calibre. Skipper Shubman Gill led the team to claim their first Test win at the venue.
Madan Lal's remark about Akash Deep highlights the intense scrutiny that cricketers face, especially in high-stakes matches. While criticism is part of the game, it should be constructive and fair. It is important to avoid judging a player based on a single Test match. With the Test series underway, the Indian team will need to address its weaknesses and ensure that they are firing on all fronts.