When batter scores heavily in domestic, he becomes NRI: Manjrekar
The Indian cricket team’s recent performance in the Test series against South Africa has raised several questions about the team’s preparation and adaptability to different conditions. One of the main concerns is the inability of Indian batters to perform well in Indian conditions after playing a significant number of matches abroad. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has made a thought-provoking statement, saying that an Indian batter becomes an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) when he scores heavily in domestic cricket and gets selected for India.
According to Manjrekar, cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant have played nine to 12 Tests away from home in the last two years, leaving them poorly prepared for Indian conditions. This lack of experience in Indian conditions has resulted in the team’s struggles in the recent Test series against South Africa, where they suffered a 0-2 defeat. Manjrekar’s statement highlights the challenges faced by Indian cricketers who have to adapt to different conditions and environments, both at home and abroad.
The concept of an NRI is typically associated with individuals who live and work outside India, but Manjrekar’s use of the term to describe Indian cricketers who struggle in Indian conditions is an interesting one. It suggests that these players, despite being Indian citizens, are out of touch with the conditions and culture of their home country. This can be attributed to the fact that they have spent a significant amount of time playing cricket abroad, which has affected their ability to adjust to the unique conditions found in India.
The Indian domestic cricket structure is highly competitive, with a large pool of talented players vying for a limited number of spots in the national team. Players who perform well in domestic cricket are often rewarded with a call-up to the national team, where they are expected to perform against top-level opposition. However, the transition from domestic to international cricket can be challenging, especially when it comes to adapting to different conditions.
Indian conditions are known for being unique, with pitches that are often spin-friendly and batsmen who are adept at playing spin bowling. However, when Indian cricketers play abroad, they are often faced with conditions that are vastly different from what they are used to. For example, pitches in countries like Australia and South Africa are often faster and more bounce-friendly, which can be challenging for Indian batsmen who are used to playing on slower pitches.
The fact that players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant have played a significant number of Tests away from home in the last two years has likely contributed to their struggles in Indian conditions. These players have had to adapt to different conditions and environments, which can be challenging, especially when it comes to batting. The lack of experience in Indian conditions has resulted in the team’s struggles in the recent Test series against South Africa, where they were unable to cope with the spin-friendly conditions.
Manjrekar’s statement has sparked a debate about the Indian cricket team’s preparation and strategy, particularly when it comes to adapting to different conditions. The team’s coaching staff and selectors will need to take a closer look at the team’s preparation and ensure that players are adequately prepared to play in different conditions. This may involve providing players with more opportunities to play in Indian conditions, either through domestic cricket or practice matches.
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s statement about Indian batters becoming NRIs when they score heavily in domestic cricket and get selected for India is a thought-provoking one. It highlights the challenges faced by Indian cricketers who have to adapt to different conditions and environments, both at home and abroad. The Indian cricket team’s recent struggles in the Test series against South Africa are a testament to the importance of preparation and adaptability in cricket. As the team looks to bounce back from this defeat, they will need to focus on preparing players for different conditions and ensuring that they are adequately equipped to handle the challenges of international cricket.
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