I don't know how we approach this kind of an itinerary: Dilip Vengsarkar on India’s three-week break

Tags: India tour of England, 2021, India, England, Dilip Balwant Vengsarkar

Published on: Jun 26, 2021

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has stated that he is “amazed” with the Indian team being given a three-week break ahead of the five-match Test series against England. India recently went down to New Zealand by eight wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton. Their Test series against England will begin with the first match in Nottingham from August 4. The massive gap between two events is due to the COVID-related protocols and restrictions.

According to Vengsarkar though, India could have done with one-week break. He was quoted as saying in a PTI report, "I enjoyed watching Test cricket over this cycle. India did extremely well over this cycle but what cost them in the final was their poor preparation. They went into such a game without any practice games. New Zealand on the other hand were match fit having already played two games (against England).

"I don't know how we approach this kind of an itinerary. Where you go for a holiday in between and then come back to play Test matches. One week break was enough post the WTC final. The thing is you need to play continuously. I am amazed this itinerary was approved," Vengsarkar added.

India played to their “strengths” in the WTC final going in with three pacers and two spinners. However, given the conditions, India missed a pace bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, who wasn’t selected since he is unable to bowl as of now. According to Vengsarkar, if Pandya isn’t available then India must start exploring other options. He said, "If he is not available then you think about somebody who is available. In cricket, nobody is indispensable. Unfortunately, BCCI doesn't have a proper talent spotting team. They should pick someone from the U-19 level and groom him."

Vengsarkar also questioned the Indian team’s preparations for the WTC final against New Zealand. According to the former batsman, India were clearly under-prepared for the big occasion. He opined:

"If he (Kohli) is talking about intent, then why didn't the team prepare properly for this match? Where was the intent then? They should have have played at least two four-day games. You want to know whether the players are match fit or not by playing those games. The fast bowers will know what lengths to hit straightway only in those practice games."

Despite the loss in the WTC final though, Vengsarkar backed Kohli to continue as captain he is the best option India have as of now across the three formats of the game.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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