India should have played a few practice matches to adapt better: Dilip Vengsarkar

The much-debated decision to cancel India’s practice match has now surfaced again. India suffered a disappointing 72 runs defeat against the Proteas in the opening Test in Cape Town. However, the match clearly highlighted one thing, Indian batsmen struggle to cope with the fast wicket. The batting line-up fell like a pack of cards against the South African pace attack comprising just Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, and Vernon Philander as Steyn was out with an injury.

Earlier in December, India’s two-day practice match at Eurolux Boland Park was cancelled by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As an alternative, extended training sessions on green wickets was suggested. However, the plan didn’t work as smoothly it was expected.

The alternate preparations have not been ideal as the practice pitch was not up to the mark. The Indian captain also expressed his unhappiness with the practice pitch provided to the team at the Western Province Cricket Club.

Next, the Indians were hindered by weather conditions. They were forced to practice indoors owing to showers. Not satisfied with the conditions and eager to be ready for the 1st Test, they had even have asked for two new practice pitches.

Speaking on the same lines,  former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who’s in the city for an engagement, felt a few practice games were indeed necessary for India before the first Test against South Africa. “India should have played a few practice matches to adapt better,” he was quoted as saying by TOI.

He added, “They will improve from here on. Now that they have got the feel of the wicket, they will perform better. The match is still wide open.”

Question over Rahane’s exclusion

Ajinkya Rahane, who has been a proven contender in overseas condition was surprisingly dropped for the first Test. Instead, Rohit Sharman was preferred over him.

Rahane admittedly has been in a poor patch which was the reason for his exclusion. But the 29-year-old has been a lynchpin in the batting lineup and it’s only a matter of time till he finds his rhythm back.
It’s yet to be seen if the Indian team management makes any changes in the squad for the upcoming second Test at Centurion.