Team India faces criticism following their recent three-match Test series loss to New Zealand, concluding with a narrow 25-run defeat at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite playing on home soil, the Indian team struggled to recover in the final Test, suffering a significant batting collapse. Senior players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, posted disappointing scores, with Kohli managing just 5 runs and Sharma scoring a total of 29 across both innings.
The poor performances of key players throughout the series have raised concerns about their form and contributions. Fans and cricket legends alike have expressed frustration over the lack of practice, as India last played a red-ball match against England in March, only facing Bangladesh since then without any domestic cricket involvement.
This situation has led to speculation that Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin missed a crucial opportunity by not participating in the Duleep Trophy 2024, a tournament that could have provided valuable match preparation for the upcoming Test season.
According to a report from Indian Express, selectors had urged top players to participate in at least one Duleep Trophy match for practice. Initially, players like Kohli and Sharma agreed to participate. However, they later withdrew, citing a lack of motivation. This decision resulted in the selection committee releasing Ravindra Jadeja, who was willing to play.
Looking ahead, India is set to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth. To keep their hopes alive for the WTC 2025 final, India needs to secure four wins in this five-match Test series and aim for at least one draw.
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