When batter scores heavily in domestic, he becomes NRI: Manjrekar
The Indian cricket team has been facing a slump in form, particularly in Test cricket, where they recently suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of South Africa. The team’s performance has been under scrutiny, with many experts weighing in on the possible reasons behind this decline. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has made a startling claim, stating that when an Indian batter scores heavily in domestic cricket and gets selected for the national team, he becomes like a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). This comment has sparked a debate, and in this blog post, we will delve deeper into Manjrekar’s statement and its implications.
According to Manjrekar, the problem lies in the fact that Indian batters are not getting enough exposure to play in different conditions, particularly away from home. He pointed out that cricketers 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, which has left them poorly prepared for Indian conditions. This lack of experience in playing on Indian pitches has resulted in the batters struggling to adapt, leading to poor performances.
Manjrekar’s statement highlights the issue of Indian batters being overexposed to foreign conditions, which can make them feel like NRIs when they return to play in India. The domestic cricket structure in India is highly competitive, with many talented batters vying for a spot in the national team. When these batters finally get selected, they are often thrust into the international arena, where they are expected to perform immediately. However, the transition from domestic to international cricket can be challenging, especially when it comes to adapting to different conditions.
The Indian cricket team’s recent performance in South Africa is a case in point. The team struggled to cope with the pace and bounce of the South African pitches, with many batters failing to make an impact. This raises questions about the preparation and selection of the team, particularly when it comes to batters. Are the selectors doing enough to ensure that the batters are prepared for the challenges of international cricket? Are the batters themselves taking enough responsibility to adapt to different conditions?
Manjrekar’s comment also highlights the importance of having a strong domestic cricket structure. The Indian domestic cricket scene is highly competitive, with many talented batters competing for a limited number of spots in the national team. However, the structure of domestic cricket in India can be improved, with more emphasis on preparing batters for international conditions. This could include playing more matches on pitches that simulate foreign conditions, as well as providing batters with more opportunities to play against international opposition.
Another issue that Manjrekar’s statement raises is the concept of “home advantage” in cricket. The Indian team has traditionally been strong at home, with many batters thriving in familiar conditions. However, when the team travels abroad, the batters often struggle to adapt to the different conditions. This raises questions about the team’s preparation and strategy, particularly when it comes to batters. Are the batters doing enough to prepare themselves for foreign conditions, or are they relying too heavily on their home advantage?
In conclusion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s statement highlights the challenges faced by Indian batters in adapting to different conditions. The comment that an Indian batter becomes like an NRI when he scores heavily in domestic cricket and gets selected for the national team is thought-provoking and raises important questions about the preparation and selection of the team. The Indian cricket team’s recent performance in South Africa is a wake-up call, and it is essential that the selectors and the team management take a closer look at the preparation and strategy of the batters.
As the Indian team looks to regroup and rebuild, it is essential that they address the issues raised by Manjrekar’s statement. This includes providing batters with more opportunities to play in different conditions, both at home and abroad. It also requires a more nuanced approach to selection, with a focus on preparing batters for the challenges of international cricket. By doing so, the Indian team can ensure that their batters are better equipped to handle the demands of international cricket, regardless of the conditions.
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