Photo via Sportstar

Sunil Gavaskar: Our Asian Games achievers have earned the applause

India’s campaign at the Asian Games concluded with a strong finish, securing fourth place and a total of 85 medals. Despite falling short of their previous medal haul, the team’s late surge—highlighted by dramatic gold-medal victories—showcased the resilience and determination of its athletes, who overcame adversity to deliver standout performances.

The final stretch of the competition in Japan became a defining moment for Indian sports, with stories of perseverance and triumph resonating deeply among fans and supporters alike.

Meanwhile, the domestic cricket season kicked off with the Irani Trophy, though its significance was somewhat diminished by the absence of key players. Nearly 35 athletes were engaged in national duties, including matches against the West Indies and the Asian Games, leaving the 'Rest of India' side with limited star power.

The Ranji Trophy champions from last season, for instance, were without Auqib Nabi, who made his ODI debut for India and missed the Irani Trophy. The tournament also saw a weakened field due to the ongoing Australia A series, raising questions about the depth of talent in domestic cricket and how players transition from state-level success to international competition.

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