When batter scores heavily in domestic, he becomes NRI: Manjrekar
The Indian cricket team’s recent 0-2 defeat in the Test series against South Africa has sparked a heated debate about the team’s performance, particularly the batting lineup. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has made a surprising comment, stating that an Indian batter becomes an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) when he scores heavily in domestic cricket and gets selected for India. This statement has left many cricket fans and pundits scratching their heads, wondering what Manjrekar meant by this assertion.
According to Manjrekar, when a batter performs exceptionally well in domestic cricket, he becomes so accustomed to the Indian conditions that he struggles to adapt to foreign conditions. This, in turn, makes him play like an NRI, someone who is out of touch with the local conditions. Manjrekar’s comment was specifically directed at the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, who have played a significant number of Tests away from home in the last two years.
Manjrekar’s argument is that these batters have played nine to 12 Tests away from home, which has left them poorly prepared for Indian conditions. The lack of experience in playing on Indian pitches has made them vulnerable to the challenges posed by the home conditions. This is evident in their recent performances, where they have struggled to score runs on Indian soil.
One of the primary reasons behind this struggle is the difference in pitch conditions. Indian pitches are known for being spin-friendly, with low bounce and sharp turn. In contrast, overseas pitches tend to be more seamer-friendly, with higher bounce and less turn. Batters who have spent more time playing on overseas pitches may find it challenging to adjust to the Indian conditions, where spinners dominate the proceedings.
Manjrekar’s comment also highlights the importance of domestic cricket in preparing batters for international cricket. The Indian domestic circuit is renowned for its competitiveness, with a plethora of talented batters vying for a spot in the national team. However, the conditions in domestic cricket are often very different from those encountered in international cricket. Batters who excel in domestic cricket may struggle to replicate their performances in international cricket, particularly when playing away from home.
The case of Yashasvi Jaiswal is a prime example of this phenomenon. Jaiswal has been one of the most prolific run-scorers in domestic cricket, with a staggering average of over 50 in first-class cricket. However, his performances in international cricket have been patchy, with a highest score of just 26 in Test cricket. This disparity in performance can be attributed to the difference in conditions, with Jaiswal struggling to adapt to the overseas pitches.
Similarly, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant have all been guilty of underperforming in Indian conditions, despite their impressive records in domestic cricket. Rahul, in particular, has been criticized for his inability to convert starts into big scores, with a highest score of just 67 in Test cricket at home. Gill, on the other hand, has shown promise, but his performances have been inconsistent, with a highest score of just 44 in Test cricket at home. Pant, meanwhile, has been struggling to find his footing in Test cricket, with a highest score of just 29 in his last five innings.
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s comment about Indian batters becoming NRIs when they score heavily in domestic cricket is a thought-provoking one. While it may seem like a tongue-in-cheek remark, it highlights a genuine concern about the preparedness of Indian batters for international cricket. The Indian team’s recent struggles in Test cricket, particularly in overseas conditions, are a testament to this fact. As the team looks to regroup and rebuild, it is essential to address this issue and find ways to prepare batters for the challenges posed by international cricket.
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