India’s cricket team secured a comfortable victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk, winning by 280 runs. However, this result does not mask some underlying issues within the team. Key players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja excelled during the match, but the performances of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were disappointing.
Neither player was able to achieve significant scores in either innings, raising questions about their absence from the Duleep Trophy. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar provided a candid critique regarding this situation, criticizing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its inconsistent treatment of players based on their reputation.
He noted that it might have been beneficial for Kohli and Sharma to participate in red-ball cricket, particularly in the Duleep Trophy, to help regain their form. Manjrekar expressed concern over the implications of preferential treatment towards certain players, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of both the team and individual players.
Manjrekar Criticizes BCCI for Preferential Treatment
“I’m not worried,” Manjrekar stated, “but someone must recognize that their absence from the Duleep Trophy likely hindered their performance in this Test. It’s crucial to be cautious about how we treat specific players differently, as this could negatively impact Indian cricket as a whole.”
He asserted that Kohli and Sharma’s lack of participation in the Duleep Trophy was detrimental to both their game and the team.
Despite his concerns, Manjrekar remains confident in Kohli and Sharma’s abilities to recover as the series progresses. He acknowledged their class and experience but also pointed out the persistent issue within Indian cricket regarding special treatment for certain players. He believes this practice not only affects team dynamics but also ultimately harms the players receiving such treatment.
As the series continues, the focus will be on whether Kohli and Sharma can reclaim their form and contribute significantly to the team’s success, while also addressing the deeper issues related to player selection and treatment within Indian cricket.
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