India suffered a six-wicket defeat to Australia in the Sydney Test, resulting in the loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the outcome itself was disappointing, the poor performance of Indian batsmen has sparked widespread criticism. Questions have been raised about their ability to adapt to different conditions and their mental approach to the game.

In the aftermath of the defeat, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir reiterated the significance of domestic cricket as a foundation for success in international cricket. India boasts a robust domestic cricket structure, but many senior players from the national team often skip these tournaments. Addressing the issue, Gambhir underscored the importance of participating in competitions like the Ranji Trophy, which he believes is critical for building resilience and understanding varied playing conditions.

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid also expressed his support for players participating in domestic cricket. When asked whether national players should compete in Ranji Trophy matches ahead of major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy, Dravid stated, “I always encourage players to play domestic cricket. It deserves the utmost importance. It’s not just about playing one or two matches; they need to play consistently. Those committed to red-ball cricket must prioritize it. Without valuing domestic cricket, it’s impossible to find cricketers suitable for Test cricket.”

Recent performances by Indian batsmen have raised alarm bells, with players struggling across all types of pitches. In a home series against New Zealand, a pace-friendly wicket was prepared in Bengaluru, yet the Indian batting lineup crumbled, getting bowled out for just 46 runs. The series ended in a humiliating whitewash, significantly contributing to India’s failure to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Critics have linked these struggles to the players’ lack of participation in domestic cricket, which has hindered their understanding of local conditions.

Gambhir also weighed in on the nature of the Sydney pitch, dismissing claims that it was excessively challenging. According to him, the pitch was well-balanced for both batting and bowling, requiring batters to work hard for their runs. He added that Sydney’s wicket has undergone changes, favoring results-oriented Test cricket. Gambhir placed the blame squarely on the Indian batsmen, saying, “The Sydney wicket was very good, especially for Test cricket. Both departments, batting and bowling, had support from the conditions. Batters needed to work hard for runs, which is fair in Test matches. Previously, Sydney’s pitches weren’t like this, but these are the kind of wickets that produce results. When we return home, we need to have further discussions about the kind of pitches we prepare.”

India’s recent batting failures have exposed glaring weaknesses in their ability to adapt to diverse conditions. Gambhir and others believe that the lack of exposure to domestic cricket is hampering the development of the national team. With players missing out on valuable match practice, particularly in the red-ball format, the team’s depth and preparedness are being called into question.

The Sydney Test loss and its implications have reignited the debate about the role of domestic cricket in nurturing Test players. As India reflects on its struggles, the need to strike a balance between domestic and international commitments has become more urgent than ever.