NEW DELHI: Following India’s defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns about the team’s approach in Test cricket.
He stressed that selectors and management need to focus on players proven in domestic long-format cricket rather than limited-overs all-rounders.
“Test cricket demands players who can bat or bowl on their own merit,” Gavaskar wrote.
“Players selected based on ego or short-term form do not meet the demands of this format.”
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Spin Struggles and Domestic Experience
Gavaskar pointed out that India’s batting woes on the spin-friendly Eden Gardens track reflect a recurring issue. Players spending most of their time abroad often struggle against domestic pitches that turn. He emphasised that successful Test batting relies on humility, patience, and capitalising on scoring opportunities rather than risky aggression.
“International players spend so much time abroad that they rarely face these kinds of pitches at home, and that is where the problems begin,” Gavaskar explained.
Selection Philosophy and Test All-Rounders
The veteran further warned against relying on all-rounders who do not fully contribute with either discipline. He said India must prioritise players who could make the XI based on batting or bowling alone. The next home Test is over a year away, making clarity in selection philosophy vital.
“A genuine Test all-rounder must be strong enough to be selected purely as a batter or purely as a bowler,” he wrote.
“Those who only contribute a handful of overs or minimal runs should not be in the XI.”
