When batter scores heavily in domestic, he becomes NRI: Manjrekar
The Indian cricket team has been facing a lot of challenges in recent times, especially when it comes to performing well in Test cricket. The team’s struggles with the bat have been well-documented, and many experts have weighed in on the possible reasons behind this. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has now joined the conversation, making a startling claim about Indian batters. According to Manjrekar, an Indian batter becomes an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) when he scores heavily in domestic cricket and gets selected for the national team.
Manjrekar’s statement may seem confusing at first, but he explains that when a batter performs exceptionally well in domestic cricket, he is quickly drafted into the national team and starts playing a lot of cricket away from home. This, in turn, makes him less familiar with the conditions in India, making him akin to a Non-Resident Indian who is not accustomed to the local environment. Manjrekar cited the examples of several Indian batters, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, who have played a significant amount of Test cricket away from home in the last two years.
These players, according to Manjrekar, have played between nine to 12 Tests away from home, which has left them poorly prepared for the conditions in India. This lack of experience in Indian conditions has been reflected in their performances, with many of them struggling to score runs in home Tests. Manjrekar’s claim is not without merit, as the Indian team has indeed struggled with the bat in recent times, especially in Test cricket.
One of the main reasons behind this struggle is the lack of experience in Indian conditions. When players are selected for the national team based on their performance in domestic cricket, they are often thrust into the deep end, playing in foreign conditions that are vastly different from what they are used to. This can be a daunting task, especially for young players who are still finding their feet in international cricket.
The Indian team’s recent series against South Africa is a case in point. The team struggled to come to terms with the conditions in South Africa, with many of the batters finding it difficult to score runs. The series ended in a 0-2 defeat for India, with the team’s batting being a major concern. The lack of experience in Indian conditions was evident, with many of the players struggling to adapt to the pace and bounce of the wickets.
Manjrekar’s claim that Indian batters become NRIs when they score heavily in domestic cricket and get selected for the national team is a thought-provoking one. It highlights the challenges that Indian players face when they transition from domestic to international cricket. The lack of experience in Indian conditions is a significant factor, and it is something that the Indian team management needs to address.
So, what can be done to address this issue? One possible solution is to ensure that players get more experience in Indian conditions before they are thrust into international cricket. This can be achieved by having a more robust domestic cricket structure, with more games played in different conditions. This will help players to develop the skills and experience they need to succeed in international cricket.
Another solution is to have a more gradual transition from domestic to international cricket. Instead of selecting players based solely on their performance in domestic cricket, the team management can consider their experience and adaptability to different conditions. This will help to ensure that players are better prepared for the challenges of international cricket.
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s claim that an Indian batter becomes an NRI when he scores heavily in domestic cricket and gets selected for the national team is a thought-provoking one. It highlights the challenges that Indian players face when they transition from domestic to international cricket. The lack of experience in Indian conditions is a significant factor, and it is something that the Indian team management needs to address. By having a more robust domestic cricket structure and a more gradual transition from domestic to international cricket, the Indian team can help its players to develop the skills and experience they need to succeed in international cricket.
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