‘Intra-Squad Matches Don’t Make Any Sense’ - Gavaskar Blasts Rohit Sharma & Co.

Sunil Gavaskar criticised India's lack of preparations (Twitter)

At pains over India's disastrous innings loss in the Boxing Day Test, former captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar once again highlighted the importance of pre-series first-class games and countered the stance of skipper Rohit Sharma.

Rohit had said after India's three-day loss in Centurion against South Africa that the senior players' reluctance to take part in practice matches is based on the lack of quality sides and the challenge deliberately presented by the hosts. 

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Over the past five years, a debate has been going on in Indian cricket about whether the Indian team should play pre-series warm-up games to cater to their preparations or not.

While prominent experts have suggested that such fixtures should be played regularly, the Indian team has tended to avoid them, citing understrength opposition and manipulated pitches.

Gavaskar On Rohit's Take For Warm-Up Games 

Gavaskar criticised the current set-up for organising just an intra-squad game for the senior team as preparation for such a challenging Test series.

"When you plan your preparation for overseas tours, you should have discussions with the home board and request them to play against A teams or domestic champions. By doing so, you stand a good chance of getting good practice," Gavaskar told Star Sports."Playing intra-squad matches doesn't make sense. It's better you spend time at home and come here directly. Why? Your fast bowlers might not want to give their 100 percent in intra-squad matches because there are chances of injuries, say if a fast bowler bowls a bouncer to batters."

The Indian team mixed with the 'A' side players on tour and played a three-day clash ahead of the Boxing Day Test without a serious vibe and didn't look prepared for the challenge at hand at the SuperSports Park. 

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