Delhi: Former captain and great batsman Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong displeasure over the batting performance of the Indian team after the 30-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. He clearly said that the reason for Team India’s defeat was neither Shubman Gill’s injury nor Kolkata’s pitch, but its roots were hidden somewhere else. India failed to chase the modest target of 124 runs in the Kolkata Test and with this defeat, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Real reason given for distance from domestic cricket

Speaking to Sportstak, Gavaskar said that the falling standard of India’s batting is a result of the current players not participating in domestic cricket. According to him, competitions like Ranji Trophy give players an opportunity to play on difficult pitches, where the ball grips and turns.

Gavaskar raised the question that how often do the current Indian players take the field to play Ranji Trophy? He said that distance from domestic cricket affects the technical skills and mental strength of the team.

Distance from Ranji in the name of workload management

Gavaskar also criticized those players who stay away from domestic cricket citing workload management. He said that many players play Ranji only when their form is bad, otherwise they do not want to participate in it. He suggested that such pitches should be prepared on which the ball can hold and turn a little more, so that the selectors can give opportunity to those players who are playing continuously in domestic cricket. According to Gavaskar, players who play only international cricket do not get enough practice playing on such pitches, which ultimately becomes the weakness of the team.

Questions also raised on domestic pitches and selection policy

Gavaskar warned that if India does not improve its domestic structure and selection policy, such defeats may be seen in future also. He stressed on strengthening domestic cricket and ensuring participation of players.