IND vs ENG: Sunil Gavaskar criticizes England's 'loud talk', says "Why didn't you declare earlier?"

After the fourth test match of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ended in a draw between India and England, former Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar slammed England players for their tactics. He took to openly criticizing England, questioning their decision not to declare innings after Ben Stokes's century. He even went on to suggest that England missed a crucial opportunity to reach for win, resorting to boastful posturing. 

Gavaskar also recalled the contradiction between England's boastful statements earlier during their tour of India, when they confidently claimed to chase down a target of 600 runs. 

In this series, India had declared after scoring a target of 608 runs in Birmingham, and England fell short by 336 runs. Gavaskar called England's confidence mere "loud talk", which undermines their on-field performance. 

Sunil Gavaskar calls out England's "loud talk" ????????#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/b06op1KAUY

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 29, 2025

Speaking to the broadcasters, Gavaskar said, "One question that comes up is whether England batted too long before declaring. When India gave England over 600 runs to chase at Birmingham, some of the England players said later in the press conference that they were actually scared. That's why they ended us giving more than 600 runs." 

He added, "But, I remember reading earlier that, while they were in India, England players had said, 'Give us 600+ runs or anything really - we'll chase it.' But that was just bravado. In the end, they fell short by 336 runs. So, it was just a bit of loud talk." 

Gavaskar gave a quick suggestion, "Now, if Shubhman Gill were at the media conference, I would like him to ask: Why did you take a lead of 311? Why weren't you happy with a lead of around 240 or 250 after Stokes got his hundred? Why didn't you declare earlier and give your bowlers an extra hour or an hour and a half to try and take more wickets? I hope he asks that. Though I know he probably won't - he is too nice a guy." 

England has secured a lead of 2-1 in the series, and India has one last chance to level up in the fifth and final test at the Kennington Oval in London, which will be played from July 31, 2025.