India’s decision to conduct closed-door practice sessions ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener in Perth has raised concerns among cricket experts. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes it reflects a lack of confidence within the Indian team.
India has dominated the BGT for a decade, but their recent form has been inconsistent. They were whitewashed 0-3 in the home Test series against New Zealand and have struggled to find their rhythm in red-ball cricket. The absence of star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who is expected to miss the first Test, has further compounded their problems.
Basit Ali believes that India’s closed-door practice sessions are a sign of their low confidence. “The Indian team’s confidence at the moment is down,” he said. “They are practicing behind closed doors, sorry to say that.”
He added that India should have played more warm-up matches to prepare for the Australian conditions. “The kind of preparation they should have had before the series is not there,” he said. “They should have played (warm-up) matches and tackled their (Australian) bowling.”
Basit Ali also suggested that India should consider including wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the Perth Test. Jurel impressed with knocks of 80 and 68 in the unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Melbourne.
“My personal opinion is that Jurel, who is in form, should be included in the playing eleven,” Basit said. “In Australia, whosoever is in form should be played…So what if he (usually) bats at No. 5 or 6! Push him to No. 3. He has guts, is a good player of the cut and pull shots. It might pay.”
Basit Ali also advised Virat Kohli to practice more against left-arm fast bowlers, especially Khaleel Ahmed. “Let me give one piece of advice,” he said. “I think Khaleel (Ahmed) is there. Practice more against the left-arm (fast) bowler, especially Virat Kohli.”
The first Test of the BGT begins in Perth on November 22. India will be looking to defend their title and extend their dominance in the series.
