Former Indian cricketer WV Raman has sparked a debate within the cricket community by suggesting that legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar be appointed as a batting consultant for Team India ahead of the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Raman believes that Tendulkar’s expertise could prove invaluable in helping India prepare for the crucial series against Australia.
With the second Test of the BGT still several months away, Raman argues that there is ample time for Tendulkar to make a significant impact. He points out that the involvement of consultants has become increasingly common in modern cricket, and that Tendulkar’s experience and knowledge would be a valuable asset to the Indian team.
The BGT holds immense significance for India, as it falls at a pivotal moment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle. Australia and India currently occupy the top two spots in the WTC standings, but India’s recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand has dented their chances of reaching the finals. A strong showing against Australia could reignite their WTC campaign.
For veteran batter Virat Kohli, the BGT represents a critical juncture. Kohli’s recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly his struggles with spin in the New Zealand series and his absence from the domestic Duleep Trophy. The series could offer him a chance to silence critics, and the support of Tendulkar might help both Kohli and other players refine their batting approaches against Australia’s formidable bowling lineup.
The Indian team has already begun training at the WACA in Perth, under heavy security and privacy measures, to ensure a focused practice environment. If Tendulkar joins as a consultant, it could serve as a significant morale boost for the squad, given his extensive experience in Australian conditions.
Raman’s suggestion has generated mixed reactions from the cricket fraternity. Some experts believe that Tendulkar’s involvement could be beneficial, while others argue that the team should focus on developing its own coaching staff. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to appoint Tendulkar as a consultant rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
