Sunil Joshi slams batters after BGT 2024-25 loss for not playing in domestic cricket

Former Indian selector Sunil Joshi slammed Indian batters for not taking part in domestic cricket after India suffered a 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Indian batters could not deliver consistently and it led to the team’s downfall.

In nine innings, India could not breach the 200-run mark on six occasions. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant could not deliver consistent performances in the five-match series. 

The visitors didn’t play any practice match before the series. Furthermore, many cricket experts questioned the batters for not playing in the Duleep Trophy. While Virat played domestic cricket in 2012, Rohit last played for Mumbai in 2015.

Sunil Joshi, former Indian all-rounder, noted that stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble kept playing for Karnataka despite being picked for the Indian team.

Joshi said on IANS, “I’ve been saying this since I was part of the selection committee, people like Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble played domestic cricket despite having made it to the Indian team. Our top-order batters don’t play domestic cricket, and why don’t they play there?”

“If I am injured, no. If I’ve been playing all three formats of the game, then yes. If not, please go and play domestic cricket for four days, as when you score runs on those surfaces, it becomes much more easier. But suddenly, when you come, practice and play two sessions in a Test match on a turner, no chance to get runs then.”

The former left-arm orthodox spinner added it is imperative for the team to prepare in the best possible way for the foreign conditions.

“For us, first of all, we need to look at what is our strength. How are we approaching Test cricket? Are we approaching Test cricket predominantly to play more on spin-friendly or a batting-friendly or a fast bowling-friendly pitch? We all know that when you get to Asia or the subcontinent, the wickets are going to be slow with low turn,” said Joshi.

India will next host England for five T20Is and three ODIs.