When batter scores heavily in domestic, he becomes NRI: Manjrekar
The Indian cricket team has been facing a tough time lately, especially in Test cricket. The recent 0-2 defeat against South Africa in the 2025 Tests has raised several questions about the team’s preparation and player selection. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has come up with a unique explanation for the team’s struggles, stating that Indian batters become like Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) when they score heavily in domestic cricket and get selected for the national team.
According to Manjrekar, when a batter performs exceptionally well in domestic cricket, he tends to forget how to play in Indian conditions. This is because he spends most of his time playing abroad, away from the unique conditions of Indian cricket. As a result, when he returns to play in India, he struggles to adapt to the familiar conditions, which ultimately affects his performance.
Manjrekar cited the examples of cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, who have played nine to 12 Tests away from home in the last two years. He believes that this extensive experience of playing abroad has left them poorly prepared for Indian conditions. “When you score heavily in domestic cricket, you become like an NRI. You forget how to play in Indian conditions,” Manjrekar said.
This statement may seem surprising, but it highlights the challenges that Indian cricketers face when transitioning from domestic to international cricket. The conditions in India are unique, with pitches that are often spin-friendly and batsmen who are accustomed to playing on flat tracks. When Indian batters spend too much time playing abroad, they may struggle to adjust to these conditions, which can affect their performance.
Manjrekar’s comment also raises questions about the selection process of the Indian team. If a batter is performing well in domestic cricket, he is likely to get selected for the national team. However, if he is not prepared to play in Indian conditions, it may be wise to consider other options. The selectors need to ensure that the players they choose are not only performing well in domestic cricket but also have the skills and experience to succeed in international cricket.
The recent series against South Africa is a prime example of this issue. The Indian team struggled to cope with the South African pace attack, and the batters found it difficult to score runs on the challenging pitches. The team’s performance was disappointing, and it highlighted the need for better preparation and player selection.
In addition to the selection process, the Indian team’s preparation for Test cricket also needs to be re-evaluated. The team has been playing a lot of limited-overs cricket, which may not be the best preparation for Test matches. The players need to spend more time playing first-class cricket and practicing in conditions that simulate Test matches.
Manjrekar’s statement has sparked a debate about the Indian cricket team’s struggles, and it is essential to consider his views seriously. The team’s performance in the recent series against South Africa was disappointing, and it is crucial to identify the reasons behind this failure. If the team is to succeed in Test cricket, the players need to be better prepared, and the selectors need to make informed decisions about player selection.
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s comment about Indian batters becoming like NRIs when they score heavily in domestic cricket is thought-provoking. It highlights the challenges that Indian cricketers face when transitioning from domestic to international cricket and raises questions about the selection process and team preparation. The Indian cricket team needs to take these issues seriously and work towards improving their performance in Test cricket.
The team’s struggles in the recent series against South Africa are a wake-up call, and it is essential to address these issues promptly. The players, selectors, and coaches need to work together to ensure that the team is better prepared for Test cricket. This includes playing more first-class cricket, practicing in conditions that simulate Test matches, and selecting players who are well-equipped to succeed in Indian conditions.
Only time will tell if the Indian cricket team can overcome these challenges and succeed in Test cricket. However, one thing is certain – the team needs to take a hard look at its preparation and player selection to ensure that the players are equipped to succeed in all conditions.
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