The Indian cricket team’s dismal performance in the recent home Test series against New Zealand has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the team’s preparation and strategy. The 3-0 whitewash marks the first time in Indian cricket history that the team has been clean-swept in a three-Test series at home.
Former BCCI selector and ex-India player Sunil Joshi believes that the onus for the team’s poor showing lies with the players rather than the cricket board. “The onus and responsibility lies more with the players, than the BCCI or the selection committee,” Joshi told Times of India.
Joshi emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and preparation, particularly in transitioning from white-ball cricket to the red-ball format. He urged players to take the initiative to participate in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy to gain match readiness for international Test matches.
“You know that you are going to play three Test matches, it’s going to be on turners, or it’s going to be on slow wickets. So from white-ball format, (there’s need to) go back to Ranji Trophy and play (in order to get match-ready for the red-ball international season),” Joshi said.
He also highlighted the significance of home advantage in Test cricket. “Think it’s not easy when you lose a series. I am sure even the team management feels the same…If you want to win WTC or you want to be in the WTC final, or you want to be the number one Test team, we have to play well in India. For that, our preparations, the Ranji Trophy becomes a primary goal (tournament),” Joshi said.
Joshi’s comments echo the concerns raised by other former cricketers, who have criticized the team’s lack of preparation and the BCCI’s handling of the situation. The Indian team’s road to the World Test Championship final has become increasingly challenging after the series loss, and the team will need to address these issues to regain their form and secure a place in the final.
