Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for an end to the “star culture” within Indian cricket following the team’s 1-3 series defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia, led by Pat Cummins, reclaimed the trophy after a decade, with a decisive six-wicket victory in the final Test in Sydney. Gavaskar’s comments came as the Indian team’s performance raised significant concerns, particularly the lack of consistency from key players.
Gavaskar’s Take on India’s Performance
India’s series against Australia exposed glaring weaknesses, with only Jasprit Bumrah standing out for his efforts. While Rohit Sharma missed the final Test, Virat Kohli managed just one century in Perth but struggled to cross 200 runs in the entire series. Kohli’s frequent dismissals while chasing wide deliveries and Sharma’s below-par performances further fueled criticism.
Reflecting on the series, Gavaskar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a firm stance and address the growing culture of entitlement among certain players.
“Total Commitment Is Non-Negotiable”
Gavaskar emphasized that the team requires players who are fully committed to Indian cricket. He criticized those who appear distracted or prioritize other commitments, suggesting that their selection should be reconsidered.
“The next 8–10 days are critical for Indian cricket to evaluate itself honestly,” Gavaskar said. “The star culture must end. Total commitment to Indian cricket is non-negotiable. Players need to be available for every match unless there’s a genuine medical emergency. If someone isn’t fully committed, they shouldn’t be considered for selection.”
Time to Stop Pampering Players
The former cricketer also called on the BCCI to shift its approach from admiration to accountability. He urged the board to take tough decisions to ensure the team’s long-term success.
“We don’t need players who are partly here and partly elsewhere. It’s time to stop pampering anyone,” he said. “The recent results have been disappointing. Missing out on the World Test Championship final is a major setback. The cricket board must prioritize Indian cricket above all else and make it clear that players need to give their full commitment or step aside.”
India Misses Out on the WTC Final
India’s loss to Australia also ended their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final for the first time. The final will see Australia face South Africa at Lord’s from June 11 to 16.
Gavaskar’s remarks underline the urgent need for introspection and reform within Indian cricket. With the team’s failures mounting, the BCCI faces a critical juncture in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
