The Indian team, true to its reputation, performed poorly in the Kolkata Test against South Africa, suffering a crushing defeat. The Indian batsmen performed poorly in both innings at Eden Gardens, with not a single batsman able to score a half-century.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes this result was due to a lack of experience in domestic cricket. In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar pointed out that the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, should prioritise players who know how to perform on the spinner-friendly Eden Gardens pitch.
Gavaskar wrote, "The defeat against South Africa will hopefully open the eyes of those who focus on the highest run-scorers in domestic cricket. Run-scorers in domestic cricket know where the pitch will spin and when the ball will stay low." International players are so busy playing abroad that they don't get to practice playing on home pitches and hence struggle.
Gavaskar's important advice
Gavaskar's comments came after batsmen Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair, who have consistently performed well in domestic cricket, were overlooked. Neither batsmen were selected for the series against West Indies and now South Africa.
Gavaskar believes that the players selected for the series against South Africa lack the experience and patience to perform on challenging home pitches. He urged the BCCI selection committee to adopt a different approach.
Gavaskar explained
Regarding the demands of the format, the Little Master said, "Test batting requires patience. The more important thing is to come to the dressing room with your ego. It doesn't matter if you get beaten or hit on your pads." You can't just try to hit the ball out of the ground to show who's boss. The only boss here is the one who stays calm and accepts that the bowler will beat you at this level. So wait for the ball to come.
A strong message to Gambhir
Sunil Gavaskar also issued a strong message to the Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir that he should move on from part-time all-rounders. The former captain wrote, "India needs to understand the difference between Test and limited-overs all-rounders. A Test all-rounder is someone who makes it into the playing XI as a batsman or bowler."
Gavaskar further said, "Test cricket doesn't need a player who can contribute a few overs and a few runs. Test cricket requires a specialist batsman who scores runs and a bowler who takes wickets. Bowling a few overs and short innings may be a temporary solution, but they won't yield any results."
Gavaskar issued a warning.
Sunil Gavaskar concluded his speech with a warning, calling for an understanding of the requirements of different formats. Gavaskar wrote, "After this South Africa series, India will not play Test cricket at home for more than a year."
He further wrote, "It is important to understand the difference between Test cricket and limited-overs cricket. It is essential to understand the requirements of the different formats. If this is not done, India will not be able to make it to the World Test Championship final."
Salman Khan's fitness at the age of 59 left fans stunned, saying, "Bhaijaan's charisma..."
Bollywood icon Salman Khan is currently in Qatar for his much-awaited Da-Bangg: The Tour Reloaded. The actor has already been giving fans fun behind-the-scenes glimpses. His latest photo, shared on
Jammu Blast: 'Is this an accident, a conspiracy, or something else?', Jammu DGP reveals major details about the Nowgam police station blast;
Nine people were killed and several others were injured in a deadly explosion near the Nowgam police station premises in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night. Security personnel have cordoned off the
Salman Khan's craze is evident among children, as Bhaijaan is seen sweating it out, preparing for the Dabangg tour; watch the viral video.
Salman Khan has taken a break from hosting "Bigg Boss 19" and embarked on the Dabangg Tour. Rohit Shetty is now hosting the show in his place. Several videos from the Dabangg Tour are going viral on
Major action in Al-Falah University case: Chairman Javed Ahmed Siddiqui sent to 13-day ED remand; court convenes overnight
A special court in Delhi has remanded Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of the Al-Falah Group, to 13-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody. Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan passed
IND vs SA: 'Try to win Tests on good pitches, not in three days'; Ganguly questions Gambhir's strategy
The first Test match between India and South Africa played in Kolkata ended within three days. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, defended a target of just 123 runs and won by 30 runs. The match
Following the Delhi bombings, the Gujarat Police tightened its grip on anti-national elements; the DGP sought full details.
Following the car bombing near the Red Fort in Delhi and the recovery of explosives from Faridabad, the Gujarat Police has ordered a search for anti-national elements in the state.
Sheikh Hasina gets a death sentence. What did the court say while giving the verdict on the former PM of Bangladesh?
The court has delivered its verdict on five serious charges against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The court found her guilty and sentenced her to death. This decision has caused a
Sheikh Hasina: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death, International Crimes Tribunal's major decision.
A Bangladesh court delivered its verdict today against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The trial concluded on October 23rd. Judges at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) convicted her on five
Delhi's air becomes a 'medical emergency', AIIMS experts issue strict alert on rising air pollution in the capital.
Describing the capital's rising air pollution as a medical emergency, experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said the crisis has become so widespread that government measures
IND vs PAK: After the match, Indian and Pakistani players shook hands and applauded each other.
Blind women cricketers from India and Pakistan surprised everyone by shaking hands with each other in Sri Lanka on Sunday, putting the political tensions between the two countries behind them.
