Former Cricketer Manjrekar Criticizes Lack of First-Class Practice for India’s 0-2 Loss to South Africa

Critique of India’s Batting Collapse

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has sharply criticized the Indian team after their 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa. He contended that the team’s struggles were mainly due to insufficient first-class cricket practice and limited preparation before the matches.

Manjrekar emphasized that Indian batters appeared out of rhythm against quality pace bowling, lacking the patience and technique honed through longer domestic innings.

“You can’t expect players to walk into a Test match straight out of white-ball cricket and succeed. They need time in red-ball cricket,” he said.

Comparison to Past Eras

According to Manjrekar, earlier generations of players gained consistency from continuous exposure to domestic red-ball cricket. In contrast, today’s scheduling gives prominence to limited-overs formats, leaving little room for first-class matches.

He argued that Test success requires regular experience in longer formats, where conditions and tactics differ dramatically from franchise cricket.

Call for Structural Reform

Manjrekar urged the BCCI and selectors to reconsider how players are prepared for international Tests. He suggested reintroducing more first-class fixtures prior to major series, allowing top players to build endurance and adapt to demanding conditions.

“If India wants to dominate in Tests again, the foundation must come from first-class cricket,” Manjrekar stated.

Broader Reflection on India’s Strategy

This defeat, he noted, highlights a growing gap between India’s domestic and international red-ball standards. Without stronger emphasis on first-class competition, India risks losing its Test dominance despite its depth of talent.

“Skill alone isn’t enough; preparation in the right format matters,” he concluded.

Author’s Summary:
Manjrekar blames India's 0-2 loss in South Africa on poor red-ball preparation and calls for renewed focus on first-class matches to restore Test dominance.

The Indian Witness — 2025-11-29