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India's senior duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have faced criticism for their dismal show with the bat in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on Australian soil. Not just them, but majority of Indian batters could not put on a good show in challenging pacer-friendly conditions. Following the series loss and the exit from World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final race, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals' (DC) co-owner criticised the selectors and batters for their extended poor run in red-ball cricket. However, their bowling coach Munaf Patel who was appointed in November 2024 defended Rohit who is going through a rough patch with the bat.
"No doubt that Australia has been the better team throughout this series - the Indian team selection, the batting display and the off the field drama has definitely not been up to the mark. Time for the selectors, the Board and the think tank to realise that red ball cricket and white ball cricket and its coaching staff needs to be separated. The game has evolved and most youngsters are prioritising white ball and hence important to identify and hone red ball players and give them a platform to perform. Congratulations to South Africa and mostly Australia for a deserving place in the WTC finals," Jindal wrote on his X account.
On January 6, Patel took to X and wrote 'Success is People's celeration, failure is personal Disaster."
Munaf feels New Zealand series loss hurt more than BGT debacle
The ODI World Cup 2011-winning member also said that the blame does not lie with a specific individual but the team. He feels that the series whitewash at home against New Zealand hurt India more than the recent series loss to Australia. He backed them to do well in the future as well.
"Yes we need to accept we were not on top in any game & from beginning we were not favorite in #BGT. No one to blame specifically but yes as a Team we lost. For me the series lost against #NewZealand was more hurting then this. Lets learn from mistakes and come back more stronger," Patel wrote after India's six-wicket defeat in Sydney Test.
The 41-year-old hailed India's leader of pace attack, Jasprit Bumrah who was adjudged 'Player of the series' for taking 32 wickets at an average of just over 13.
"Take a bow for this guy, he performed against all odds. Well deserve MOS Buddy," he wrote.
Patel will be working alongside KL Rahul who is the only Indian from the current BGT team in DC squad picked for IPL 2025.
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