The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced criticism for canceling a warm-up match against India A ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In response to the poor form of Indian cricketers, the team has scheduled an intra-squad 3-day practice match behind closed doors.
The intra-squad match at the WACA from Friday to Sunday will be held in lockdown conditions, with no public viewing allowed. This decision aims to keep internal matters private before the series begins.
Indian players who arrived in Australia have commenced training sessions. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin missed the optional first session. However, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant participated in the nets.
India must defeat Australia 4-0 in the 5-match series to secure their World Test Championship final qualification. After losing 0-3 to New Zealand, India dropped to second in the points table, with Australia leading.
The form of key players like Kohli, Pant, Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma will be crucial. Sharma’s participation in the first Test at Perth remains uncertain.
The BCCI’s decision to cancel the warm-up match has raised concerns about the team’s preparation. However, the intra-squad match provides an opportunity for players to regain form and build confidence ahead of the high-stakes series.
