Tag: Indian Test Cricket

Our Cricket Greats Must Know When To Declare

‘Our Cricket Stars Must Know When To Declare Their Innings’

By LokMarg

Ankit Agnihotri, an avid cricket enthusiast, says new players bring in new energy and new techniques which is important for a game to evolve. His views:

As a lifelong cricket fan, I’ve had the joy of watching legends like Sunil Gavaskar, then Sachin Tendulkar, and now Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma carry the dreams of an entire nation. Their contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable, and seeing them perform at their peak was an indulgence. However, as these players age and their form fluctuates, I can’t help but feel that they are holding on just a bit too long. At some point, even the greatest of the greats needs to step aside, and it feels like that moment has come for a few of our current stars.

It’s hard not to notice the number of young, promising players waiting for their chance. These players have the energy, skills, and hunger to take on the world stage, but they often get pushed to the sidelines, usually given games only against weaker teams like Ireland or Bangladesh. What does that do for them?

They need real exposure, against strong teams, to truly develop and show what they’re made of. Yet, with senior players clinging to their spots, these young cricketers end up with very limited opportunities. It’s like they’re waiting for someone to hand them the baton, but that moment never seems to arrive.

Cricket is a sport that evolves, and each generation brings something new to the game. While experience is invaluable, it’s also true that a team full of veterans can quickly become stagnant. We need to infuse young blood on the field to bring fresh energy and new strategies. With players like Kohli and Sharma taking the lead for so long, we’ve come to depend on them, but it’s time for them to help usher in the next generation. Imagine a team that’s a blend of seasoned pros and young talent—where young players get to learn alongside legends. That’s how a great team becomes unstoppable.

ALSO READ: ‘Senior Players Should Retire Gracefully, Not Drag Their Feet’

The balance of experience and youth is crucial for any team. When Gavaskar retired, he made room for the next wave of players, who brought their own style and strength to the game. When Tendulkar retired, it was sad, yes, but it allowed new leaders to emerge. Now, we’re at a similar point. We need Rohit and Virat to recognize this and make space for the next batch of stars. They’ve already secured their legacies—retiring gracefully now would only enhance that.

Indian cricket is about more than just individual stars; it’s about building a team that can endure, adapt, and stay competitive for years to come. Young cricketers bring speed, agility, and the ability to handle the physical demands of today’s game, while the veterans offer wisdom and calm under pressure. Let’s give these young players a chance to learn from the best, to play on the biggest stages, and to make their own mark.

Ultimately, it’s not about pushing anyone out. It’s about ensuring that the team remains strong, balanced, and forward-looking. A graceful exit by the senior stars would open doors for emerging talent and give fans a new generation to cheer for, without ever losing the spirit and excitement that legends like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Kohli, and Sharma brought to the game.

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As told to Deepti Sharma

Senior Cricketers Should Retire Gracefully

‘Senior Cricketers Should Retire Gracefully, Not Drag Their Feet’

By LokMarg

Saurabh Tyagi, a marketing professional and a cricket buff, wonders if the old order in Indian Test cricket ever make timely way for the new blood. His views:

India’s cricketing landscape is undergoing a transformation. The reluctance of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to bow out echoes the hesitation of previous legends, but this hesitation is all about a deeper issue that lies within the Indian cricket administration. Much of India’s current transition struggle in red-ball cricket can be traced to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) reluctance to make timely changes, allowing veterans to linger on despite diminishing returns.

While the BCCI has shown commitment towards integrating younger players in white-ball formats, particularly T20, the Test side has largely remained stagnant. Since 2020, Rohit and Kohli’s declining averages—Rohit at 34 at home, Kohli at 28 at home and 33 away—paint a stark picture.

Both players have been titans of Indian cricket, carrying the mantle through a golden era. Yet, the current numbers tell a clear story: their consistency has waned, and to expect them to return to their peak form is unrealistic. The reluctance to transition younger players into Test roles has stunted the development of a fresh, competitive core and fostered a sense of complacency. While it’s natural to revere legends, ignoring the hard facts only delays the necessary decisions that would allow India to move forward.

However, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely with the players or the coaches; it lies at the very top with the BCCI. Caught in a cycle of PR-driven decision-making, the BCCI has prioritized the immediate revenue of the IPL over the long-term health of India’s Test setup. The IPL has undoubtedly been transformative, creating fame, wealth, and vast opportunities for young players.

ALSO READ: IPL Organisers Are Shameless, And Greedy

This IPL-centric approach has also distracted them from the developmental work required to build a resilient Test team. Test cricket demands resilience, skill, and continuity—elements that can only be cultivated with a focused commitment to training, preparation, and the domestic game. By failing to maintain this focus, the BCCI has, in many ways, eroded the foundation of India’s red-ball game, resulting in embarrassing setbacks like the recent home series loss to New Zealand.

India has successfully managed transitions before, most notably in 2013, when a new generation—led by Kohli, Pujara, and Rahane—stepped into roles once occupied by legends like Dravid, Laxman, and Tendulkar. This transition was executed with patience, foresight, and an unwavering belief in nurturing young talent for the rigors of Test cricket. Yet now, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Gill, and Rishabh Pant waiting in the wings, the BCCI’s reluctance to make a decisive call stifles this potential.

Transitioning Test teams requires a blend of youth and experience, a task now placed squarely on the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. With red-ball cricket demanding grit, technique, and the stamina honed in the Ranji Trophy, the selectors must prioritize performance in these domestic circuits over the lure of white-ball fame. IPL stardom and Test resilience are fundamentally different, and to sustain India’s dominance in Tests, the BCCI must ensure that potential red-ball specialists are given a chance to grow.

This moment is pivotal not only for India’s Test prospects but for the global perception of Test cricket itself. The world’s purists view Test cricket as the soul of the sport, and if India falters, the format’s appeal could be jeopardized worldwide. This transition, if handled poorly, risks squandering a legacy. But if managed well, India could usher in a new golden generation capable of honouring the greatness of those before them. The question remains: Will the BCCI take the hard decisions required to secure the future of Indian Test cricket, or will it continue to let nostalgia and revenue clouds overshadow the path forward?

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As told to Deepa Gupta

‘Rishabh Pant’s Innings In Australia Etched In My Mind’

By LokMarg

Kshitij Negi, a Class 11 student and cricketer from NCR, says he has picked up valuable lessons from India-Australia Test series. Negi was particularly floored by Pant’s heroics

I have been taking coaching for many years now at the Sonnet Cricket Club in South Delhi and also at the Ashish Nehra Cricket Academy in Noida. I have played many a tournament at the district level and might soon be a part of the under-19 state cricket team. Between online classes and cricket coaching there is little time to follow a match or series live, but I ensure that I do watch repeat telecast of important international matches or the highlights.

And that is what I did with the recent India-Australia Test series… I watched every ball, every run closely to see what I could learn from it. The four matches were like a see-saw of emotions given how differently the Indian team performed in each of them, but the Gabba victory was really sweet. And in that match Rishabh Pant was my absolute hero.

No doubt, Cheteshwar Pujara showed tremendous grit and strength by standing his ground despite the many injuries he was suffering from. However, it was Pant who wrested the victory from a difficult situation with his unbeaten 89. Many people who had written off Team India were left looking sideways.

Negi (left) in cricket gear and with his idol Rishabh Pant (right) a few years ago

Why I also like Pant is because he is working so hard at filling Dhoni’s big shoes of being a wicketkeeper batsman. I am an all-rounder: a left-handed batsman playing in the middle order and a right-arm off-spinner and I take inspiration from Pant’s playing style for my batting.

I might also be a little biased in my choice of hero at the Gabba match, for I train at the same academy (Sonnet Cricket Club), where Pant also trains. I have met him quite a few times and be has given tips to me on how to improve my game. I like the fact that Pant is able to take quick decisions, that he can channelise his aggression and energy into runs.

We can’t forget the fact that he scored a 97 in the 3rd test, even though the match was a draw and that he is fit for all formats of the game. His detractors need to understand that he is still very young and will inculcate patience too in the coming years. I want that India jersey too, for it is such a feeling of pride to be able to represent your country well, and Pant is showing many of us youngsters the way forward.

ALSO READ: Test Cricket Gets Its Swagger Back

The last year has proved to be quite a dampener to us budding cricketers. Because of Covid, the Sonnet Cricket Club could open for practice only around 2 months ago. Even though Ashish Nehra’s Cricket Academy has been open since June, it wasn’t always feasible to go there because of the various travel restrictions during the lockdown.

I had to resort to a lot of shadow practice, with my dad helping me quite a lot. You know you can’t play cricket freely at home, since there is the fear of breaking valuables with the ball. We got a lot of online assignments from our coach too, but nothing can beat the charm of real net practice and the high in front of playing for a real crowd. Indian Team has shown tremendous mental strength and resilience in face of the unprecedented changes because of the pandemic. Cricket won’t ever be the same, but the spirit of sportsmanship is enough to carry us through any situation.

As Told To Yog Maya Singh