Kapil Dev slams India's approach in test cricket, wants more emphasis on domestic cricket

Former Indian legendary captain Kapil Dev came down hard on Indian test side.

Former Indian legendary captain Kapil Dev could not hold himself back from expressing his displeasure over the pathetic performance of India in test cricket. Indian Cricket Team recently lost to South Africa 0-2 in the home series.

This is India’s second whitewash in home conditions in the last 12 months. Last year, New Zealand thrashed India in India and clinched the test series 3-0. That was India’s first series loss at home in 12 years.

Kapil Dev wants Indian players to play domestic cricket

The former India captain criticised the Indian players for the lack of importance attributed to domestic cricket by them. He pointed out the absence of Indian players from domestic cricket as one of the major reasons behind their struggle at home in test cricket.

“That was because they had individual style, footwork, and the fact that they played good domestic cricket on a variety of pitches. I just want to know how many of today’s top players are playing domestic cricket. That’s the most crucial thing. If you don’t play domestic cricket and don’t face quality bowlers, you are going to struggle,” said Kapil Dev.

Also Read: IND vs SA: India bowling coach Morne Morkel provides update on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer’s fitness ahead of the ODI series

India should play on competitive pitches, believes Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev also lambasted the types of pitches the Indian team is preparing for tests in home conditions. For the last decade or so, India have been playing on pitches that have a lot to offer for the spinners. These pitches, coupled with the lack of experience of playing on bowler-friendly pitches, are the reason for India’s downfall in test cricket, believes Kapil Dev.

“The pitches are very, very important. Not the type where the game ends in two and a half days. You lose the toss and lose the game. What is the point of having a pitch where no team crosses 200? It is not good for the state of the five-day game. We are more occupied with T20s and ODIs, which means that batters hardly encounter bowler-friendly pitches. On surfaces offering a lot of help to spin and seam, you need patience and a different set of skills to thrive,” Kapil told Sportstar.

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