NEW DELHI: The Indian team’s seven-wicket defeat to Australia in the first ODI in Perth, a rain-shortened clash, has drawn pointed criticism from legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar. The controversy centers around the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, used to reset the target for the second innings after weather interruptions.

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Questions on DLS target

The match was reduced to 26 overs per side. After India posted 136/9, Australia’s revised target was set at 131—a modest five-run reduction that allowed them to chase the total comfortably. Gavaskar openly questioned the complexity and fairness of the system.

“I don’t think too many people understand that method but it’s been there for a long time,” Gavaskar said to India Today. He suggested a domestically developed alternative could be fairer. “There was an Indian who had come up with the VJD Method, which I thought was a lot better because it made things even for both the teams.”

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Calling for a fairer system

Gavaskar highlighted that the BCCI already uses the VJD Method in domestic competitions and urged its adoption at the international level. “Maybe that is something they need to look at and they need to push to make sure when a rain interruption takes place, both teams feel whatever target is given to you will be a lot fairer,” he added, noting that the current DLS calculation often leaves one side at a disadvantage.

Backing to returning stalwarts

The former captain also addressed the disappointing returns of Virat Kohli (duck) and Rohit Sharma (8 runs) in their first ODI since rejoining the side. Gavaskar dismissed any long-term concerns over their form, expressing confidence that both players would quickly find their rhythm.

“Don’t be surprised if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score big in the next two games,” he predicted, emphasizing that their current dip is only temporary.