Rohit, Virat, Jadeja Refused To Participate In Duleep Trophy Before NZ Tests – Reports

The recent Test series against New Zealand has left Indian cricket fans scratching their heads. Team India’s 0-3 defeat has raised serious concerns about preparation, with many pointing fingers at the lack of match practice for some of the team’s biggest stars. After an impressive win against Bangladesh, India seemed confident, but the Kiwis delivered a wake-up call, exploiting gaps in both strategy and readiness.

Key Players Missing in Action from the Duleep Trophy

As a crucial domestic tournament, the Duleep Trophy offers players valuable match practice and helps them adapt to various pitch conditions in the subcontinent. For the New Zealand series, players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah were initially expected to participate, but none of them made an appearance. Their absence sparked criticism from former players and fans alike.

Why the Duleep Trophy Participation Was Important

The Duleep Trophy serves as an essential preparation ground, providing players with the opportunity to maintain form and rhythm before major series. Practicing in local conditions is particularly beneficial for Indian players, helping them to sharpen skills that are crucial against teams like New Zealand, known for their disciplined bowling attacks.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Perspective

According to reports, selectors had arranged for Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin, and Bumrah to participate in the Duleep Trophy. However, these players reportedly withdrew, citing a “lack of motivation.” This decision has puzzled many, especially given that consistent match practice is vital to peak performance.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on the issue, voicing his disappointment over the players’ lack of practice before facing New Zealand. He suggested that a series against Bangladesh may have created a sense of overconfidence, leading to complacency against the Kiwis. Gavaskar highlighted that New Zealand’s attack, bolstered by experience in India and the IPL, was well-prepared for the challenge.

“They should have had some practice, definitely. It’s a long gap. I know we beat Bangladesh and therefore, it looked as if it was going to be a cakewalk against New Zealand,” former India captain Sunil Gavaskar told the paper on Sunday.

“But New Zealand, obviously, had a better attack, with cricketers who have played in India and in the IPL, who have a sense of what Indian pitches do,” he further said.

After Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin, and Bumrah decided not to participate in the Duleep Trophy, selectors also pulled Ravindra Jadeja out of the tournament. Despite missing the domestic tournament, Jadeja managed to perform well, achieving a notable 10-wicket haul in one of the Test matches. His effectiveness, despite the lack of preparation, showcased his adaptability but raised questions about the readiness of other players.

India’s defeat serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough preparation. Regular domestic practice, even for top players, remains essential. The series loss against New Zealand highlights the need to avoid complacency and invest in consistent training to maintain peak performance.