When batter scores heavily in domestic, he becomes NRI: Manjrekar
The Indian cricket team has been facing a lot of challenges in recent times, and one of the major concerns is the performance of the batters in different conditions. 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. This statement has sparked a lot of debate, and in this blog post, we will delve deeper into the issue and explore the reasons behind Manjrekar’s claim.
According to Manjrekar, when a batter performs exceptionally well in domestic cricket, he gets selected for the Indian team and starts playing a lot of matches away from home. This can lead to a situation where the batter becomes unfamiliar with the Indian conditions, which can affect his performance. Manjrekar cited the example 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. As a result, they have had limited opportunities to play in Indian conditions, which can make them poorly prepared for matches at home.
This issue is not limited to the batters, but it also affects the overall performance of the team. When the batters are not familiar with the conditions, they struggle to score runs, which can put pressure on the bowlers. The bowlers, in turn, may struggle to take wickets, which can lead to a defeat. This is what happened in the recent Test series between India and South Africa, where India lost 0-2. The Indian batters struggled to score runs, and the bowlers were unable to take wickets, which led to a disappointing performance.
Manjrekar’s statement highlights the need for the Indian team to strike a balance between playing matches at home and away. While it is essential to play matches away from home to gain experience and exposure, it is also crucial to play matches in Indian conditions to prepare the team for home series. The Indian team management and selectors need to ensure that the batters get enough opportunities to play in Indian conditions, which can help them to develop their skills and prepare for matches at home.
Another issue that Manjrekar’s statement raises is the quality of domestic cricket in India. While the Indian Premier League (IPL) has improved the standard of cricket in India, the quality of domestic cricket is still a concern. The Ranji Trophy, which is the premier domestic competition in India, needs to be strengthened to provide a platform for young cricketers to develop their skills. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needs to take steps to improve the quality of domestic cricket, which can help to produce better cricketers who can perform well in different conditions.
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s statement highlights the challenges faced by Indian batters when they score heavily in domestic cricket and get selected for India. The lack of familiarity with Indian conditions can affect their performance, which can have a negative impact on the team’s overall performance. The Indian team management and selectors need to strike a balance between playing matches at home and away, and the BCCI needs to take steps to improve the quality of domestic cricket. By addressing these issues, India can produce better cricketers who can perform well in different conditions and bring success to the team.
The recent 0-2 defeat in the Test series against South Africa is a wake-up call for the Indian team, and it highlights the need for the team to work on its weaknesses. The batters need to develop their skills to perform well in different conditions, and the bowlers need to work on their strategies to take wickets. The team management and selectors need to take a closer look at the team’s composition and make changes to ensure that the team is well-prepared for future series.
As the Indian team prepares for future series, it is essential to keep in mind the challenges faced by the batters when they score heavily in domestic cricket and get selected for India. The team needs to work on its weaknesses and develop strategies to overcome the challenges posed by different conditions. By doing so, the Indian team can perform well in different conditions and bring success to the country.
In the end, it is crucial to remember that cricket is a game that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork. The Indian team has the talent and the potential to perform well, but it needs to work on its weaknesses and develop strategies to overcome the challenges posed by different conditions. By doing so, the team can achieve success and make the country proud.
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