By The ongoing debate around the preparedness of IPL players for the rigours of Test cricket has once again taken centre stage, as a former India cricketer has strongly criticised the national selectors for handing Test caps to players he believes are not yet ready for the longest format. In his sharp remarks, the ex-India star expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing trend of favouring Indian Premier League performers while ignoring the fundamental differences between T20 cricket and the traditional red-ball game. He argued that while IPL performances certainly showcase talent and temperament under pressure, they cannot be the only measure for determining a player’s readiness for the demanding format of Test cricket, which requires technique, patience, endurance, and mental resilience.
According to the former cricketer, selectors have increasingly been influenced by the glamour, visibility, and hype surrounding the IPL, leading them to fast-track players into Test cricket based on short-format performances. He emphasised that Test cricket is a completely different challenge and that many of these young players lack the necessary domestic experience, particularly in multi-day matches. He noted that players need to grind through first-class cricket, face varied pitch conditions, adapt to long spells or long batting sessions, and develop an understanding of situational play — skills that cannot be learned in a few explosive T20 innings. By rushing IPL performers into the Test setup, he believes the selectors are not only harming the players’ long-term development but also weakening the team’s structure and stability.
The ex-India cricketer also highlighted that the country has a strong domestic cricket structure in the form of the Ranji Trophy, which is specifically designed to prepare players for Test cricket. He argued that bypassing this system or undervaluing long-form domestic achievements sends the wrong message to hardworking players who have spent years performing consistently in the red-ball format. According to him, many deserving cricketers, who have honed their technique and temperament through the traditional pathway, are being ignored simply because they do not generate the same level of buzz as IPL stars. This, he warned, could lead to a decline in the quality of Test cricket in India if selectors continue prioritising short-term excitement over long-term preparedness.
His comments have sparked renewed discussion across the cricket community about the balance between IPL stardom and the traditional demands of Test cricket.
He went on to explain that the transition from IPL to Test cricket is much larger than people realise. In the IPL, batsmen often face bowlers operating at high speed but delivering just four overs each, whereas in Test matches, they may have to survive long spells from the same bowler who is constantly adjusting his attack. Similarly, bowlers in T20 cricket rely heavily on variations and defensive lines, while Test cricket demands the ability to maintain discipline, extract movement, bowl to a plan for long durations, and out-think batters ball after ball. These differences, he said, make it crucial for players to build a strong foundation through domestic red-ball cricket before being promoted to the highest level.
The former cricketer concluded by urging the selectors to reconsider their approach and return to a system that values experience, patience, technique, and consistent red-ball performance. He insisted that while IPL success should certainly be acknowledged, it should not be confused with Test readiness. Instead, selectors must ensure that every Test cap is earned through a proper pathway, protecting both the integrity of Indian Test cricket and the development of the next generation of cricketers. His comments have sparked renewed discussion across the cricket community about the balance between IPL stardom and the traditional demands of Test cricket.
