BCCI’s diktat aims to balance planning and execution for excellence

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a review meeting to discuss India’s disappointing Test cricket season.

• India won only one of their next eight Tests, putting them out of contention for a place in the final of the World Test Championship for a third consecutive time.

• India’s batting was in shambles in Australia, with 200 topped only thrice in nine innings.

• The top order, with the exception of Yashasvi Jaiswal and K.L. Rahul, came a terrible cropper.

• Skipper Rohit Sharma sat out the final Test due to doubts about his XI’s current form.

• India’s batting line-up was extended to compensate for top-order failings, possibly at the expense of a penetrative bowling option.

• There is a spoken desire to embark on course correction, but whether this will be implemented remains to be seen.

• BCCI’s priority is to return domestic cricket to its former glory, which involves asking players to represent their respective states in Ranji Trophy and white-ball tournaments when they are not on national duty.

• Rohit agreed that playing domestic cricket is essential, as it’s at the domestic level where it all started.

• Some players who played in Australia and Dubai will fulfil state duties when the Ranji Trophy resumes on Thursday.

Indian Cricket’s Struggles and Need for Balance

• Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have driven a positive development in Indian cricket, despite the challenges of international sport and domestic cricket.

• The need for more flexibility in handling international sports has been highlighted, with a review meeting recognizing the need to streamline procedures during overseas trips.

• The review meeting was attended by BCCI head honchos, Rohit, Gambhir, and Agarkar, who emphasized the importance of camaraderie and togetherness in team sports.

• The review meeting also highlighted the need to reassess guidelines regarding family visits during tour, which were relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

• The review was seen as a negative step, with jibes about wives and children being held responsible for non-performances.

• The review emphasizes the importance of balance in team settings, with exceptions made based on the request.

• The review calls for a measured, commonsensical, and inclusive response to underlying issues in Indian cricket.

• Empathy, not just criticism, is essential, but reciprocation from players is also crucial.