Cricket legend savaged over 'disgusting' comments about Shane Warne
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has been savaged by fans after debating whether Shane Warne is the greatest spinner of all time just hours after his death.
Warne died in Thailand on Saturday after suffering a suspected heart attack in his villa on Koh Samui at the age of 52.
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As tributes flowed around the world for the Australian cricket legend, former India captain Gavaskar sparked outrage with his ill-timed comments.
With many labelling Warne the greatest spinner of all time, Gavaskar felt the need to point out that Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan has more Test wickets, while also claiming that the Aussie wasn't as good as some Indian rivals.
Speaking on Indian TV program 'Sports Today' just hours after Warne's death, Gavaskar was asked if he believed Warne is the greatest spinner of all time.
"No I wouldn't say that. For me, the Indian spinners and Muttiah Muralitharan were certainly better than Shane Warne," Gavaskar responded.
"Because look at his record against India. His record is pretty ordinary against India. He got five wickets only once in Nagpur.
"Because he didn't have much success against the Indian team, I would rank Muralitharan over him in my book."
Shane Warne's passing away is a big shock....He mastered the art which is very difficult to master which is leg spin: Sunil Gavaskar. #NewsToday #Cricket #RIPShaneWarne | @sardesairajdeep pic.twitter.com/6KqSHf6Tes
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) March 4, 2022
While Gavaskar was certainly placed in an awkward position by the question, many felt it wasn't the right time for him to pass judgement considering Warne had only died hours earlier.
Cricket fans flocked to Twitter, describing Gavaskar's comments as "disgusting" and "shameful".
Shane Warne, you were a legend, not because of the bowler you were, but because of the character you were. And Sunil Gavaskar, shame on you for not understanding this and consistently bombing people with his bowling stats. #CricketAustralia #ShaneWarne #Gavaskar #RIPShaneWarne
— Seekh Kebab (@3nplus1problem) March 5, 2022
Very poor commentary by Sunil Gavaskar..... He refused to call Shane Warne the greatest spinner ever because his number in India and against Indian batsman is not good.... So shameful.#Disgraceful
— Sadaf Shamim (@imSadafShamim) March 5, 2022
This is utterly disgusting&classless Mr.#Gavaskar& @sardesairajdeep.
Is this the time to ask “Do you think he is best spinner of all time?”& gavaskar is discussing Warne records&stats without dodging it🤦
He just passed away.Have some sense.@rohangava9 @IndiaToday #ShaneWarne https://t.co/pcg4tjevKO— Abhi (@abhi_is_online) March 5, 2022
This interview is such a disgusting "tribute" to Shane Warne by Gavaskar. As per usual, chatting some BS https://t.co/n5DqBIbM4x
— Seshadhri Subramanian (@FootySesh) March 5, 2022
Gavaskar needs to be banned from attending interviews and all!
That comment on Warne was so disgusting! Really felt bad— Pandemic Pep (@afc_anubhav) March 5, 2022
Sunil Gavaskar should retire from public speaking .. so shameful
— Rishi Kapoor (@Rishikapoor1980) March 4, 2022
Hated Gavaskar when he had spoken crap after David Hookes' death.
And now him nitpicking on Warney's stats on the day of his death feels so triggering.
Surprising that it comes from a man who has spent so many years on the mic on international telivision.— Vipul (@Sporty_Baba) March 5, 2022
Shocking tone deafness from Gavaskar. A). How can you take a public platform and air your personal theories about the tragedy B). How can you take this as a moment to one up a player because your fav won a head to head C). Not relevant but how nationalist do you have to be to-
— Dweplea (@dweplea) March 4, 2022
Paramedic recalls Shane Warne's final moments
Meanwhile, one of the paramedics who tried to save Warne's life has described how the cricketer's panicked friends desperately attempted to wake him.
Paramedic Anuch Han-iam told The Sun there were four or five other men in Warne's room at the Koh Samui villa when he and a colleague arrived.
Warne's friends were trying to revive the 52-year-old before Mr Anuch took over CPR.
"They were desperate. I think one was crying. They were really stressed and panicked," the paramedic told the newspaper.
"They kept trying to wake him and I heard someone saying, 'come on, Shane. Come on, Shane'.
"I could see they were all shocked and I just tried to concentrate and do my best."
Mr Anuch said the room was clean and there were no signs of partying such as beer or cigarettes.
"I did my best for him and gave all my energy. I'm so sorry that I couldn't help him."
Warne's body was being moved for an autopsy in the main state hospital in Surat Thani province on Sunday.
He had been staying in a private villa with three friends, one of whom performed CPR after finding him unresponsive when he did not show up for dinner.
He was taken by ambulance to Thai International Hospital and later his body was transferred to Koh Samui Hospital.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Yuttana Sirisombat, superintendent at the Bo Phut police station, told reporters Warne had been suffering chest pains before arriving in Thailand.
He also had asthma and had seen a doctor about his heart.
with AAP
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