Legendary Sunil Gavaskar responded to Rohit Sharma's explanation for India's decision to not play first-class practice games on overseas tours, emphasising that intra-squad matches before a Test series don’t make sense. Gavaskar's remarks followed India's humiliating loss to South Africa in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.
The 36-year-old captain was questioned about India's preparations and the decision of Test regulars to skip First-Class competitive matches before the two-Test series. He explained that the touring Indian sides didn't get the desired pitches and quality bowling in previous tour games, leading to the choice of intra-squad matches.
"Look, this might be the case, I don't know. I just want to say that if you can play against A teams or the domestic champions of the touring country, their players will be looking to impress their selectors. So they will give it their all, be it a fast bowler or a batter," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Indian players participated in two four-day matches between India A and South Africa A, but the Test regulars abstained from playing in South Africa. Instead, they chose to engage in an intra-squad practice match in Pretoria a week prior to the Boxing Day Test.
Gavaskar criticised the concept of intra-squad matches after the Rohit-led visiting side delivered one of their most lacklustre performances in an overseas Test in recent memory. Despite KL Rahul's century, India were bowled out for 245 in the first innings, and South Africa secured a 163-run lead. In response, India could only manage 131, with most batters, except Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, failing to reach double-digit figures.
India's bowling performance was as lacklustre as the inexperienced Prasidh Krishna, making his debut, and Shardul Thakur, who conceded a significant number of runs.
'IT HAPPENED IN OUR TIME ALSO'
Gavaskar encouraged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to engage in early discussions with the opposing cricket board and organise high-quality first-class practice matches.
"When you plan your preparation for overseas tours, you should have discussions with the home board and request them to play against A teams or domestic champions. By doing so, you stand a good chance of getting good practice," the 74-year-old said.
"Playing intra-squad matches doesn't make sense. It's better you spend time at home and come here directly. Why? Your fast bowlers might not want to give their 100 percent in intra-squad matches because there are chances of injuries, say if a fast bowler bowls a bouncer to batters.
"It's not a recent phenomenon. It has happened in our time also. The problem comes from the difference in conditions. You have to get used to such conditions, you have to play practice matches for that," he added.
India conducted an optional training session in Centurion on December 30. Team India aims for an improved performance in the second and final Test scheduled to begin on January 3 in Cape Town when the two sides meet again.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
South Africa announce 2nd string squad for New Zealand tour, uncapped player to lead the Test pack
Harsha Bhogle snubs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in his Test Team of 2023, picks these two Indian veterans instead
WATCH: Cheteshwar Pujara delivers cautionary note to Indian selectors following India's batting fiasco in Centurion Test
'I am happy to eat my words..': Aussie stalwart takes U-turn, publicly apologises to Pat Cummins after scathing remark
IND vs SA: Major injury scare for Team India as player sustains nasty blow on shoulder during optional training session
Sri Lanka announce new captains for ODIs and T20Is, veteran batter and star all-rounder handed responsibility
Ex-India batter throws huge shade at Rohit Sharma, dubs 'Hitman' a 'weaker player' and questions his place in the team
