Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri criticized the scheduling of the two-match Test series, labeling it a waste of time. Ravi Shastri recommended that the Indian team refrain from participating in such a series, highlighting the importance of including more Tests.
India made a memorable comeback after losing the first Test by a huge margin. The visitors won the second Test by 7 wickets in Cape Town within two days, leveling the series at 1-1. Rohit became the second skipper after Dhoni to avoid a Test series loss in South Africa.
India chased down the target of 79 with an aggressive approach, completing it in just 12 overs. Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 17 and 4, respectively. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a quickfire cameo, scoring 28 runs off 23 deliveries in the fourth innings.
Two-Test Match Series Are A Waste Of Time – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri emphasized that the Indian cricket team should avoid participating in the two-match Test series. Shastri proposed a more balanced approach, suggesting that the tour could have included three T20Is and three Tests.
“After watching this Test series, the Indian cricket establishment should make sure to never play just two Tests,” Shastri said.
“If some country invites you for a two-Test series, say, ‘We won’t go’. Two-Test match series are a waste of time. It’s neither here nor there. The focus should be on either playing T20Is and Test matches or ODIs and Test matches. They could have easily played 3 T20Is and 3 Tests [on this tour],” he added.
Both teams earned 12 points each in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. India has moved to the top spot in the WTC standings, with a points percentage of 54.17 after four matches. The recent match is the shortest contested Test match in history.
This Request Can Be Made – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri emphasized the importance of boards providing quality first-class games to touring teams for effective Test series preparation. Shastri highlighted the significance of ensuring proper first-class games for touring teams.
“It should be a conversation between boards: ‘If we are coming for three Tests, we need a four-day game, but against a strong team,’” Shastri said. “And this request can be made. When both boards are fixing the itinerary [for a series], they can discuss this.
“This should be reciprocal – ‘When you come touring, we’ll give you a strong team for a four-day game. Be it a Board President’s XI, or whatever, we’ll give you a talented, young team. Similarly, when we tour and ask for a game, we should get good players for that game.’
“This board-to-board [conversation] can happen. After all, every board wants India to tour. Because they know that is where their sustenance lies. When India tours, they earn cash. So, at least give us a proper first-class game. Then we’ll tour.”
India chose not to engage in a warm-up or tour game before their series against South Africa, opting instead to send their A team for a shadow tour. The senior team decided to participate in an intra-squad game rather than playing a traditional warm-up match in preparation.
Also read: IND vs SA: “Because This Bloke Is Not Playing..”- Ravi Shastri Feels India Can Win Test Series
