New Delhi: Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has questioned the Indian team management’s decision to withdraw Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and other Test specialists from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, arguing that playing competitive cricket would be more beneficial than early preparations through practice sessions.
Gill and Rahul are expected to leave the ODI squad after the first three matches to begin preparing for India’s upcoming Test assignment. Their unavailability for the final two ODIs was confirmed when the squad for the New Zealand tour was announced.
However, Ganesh believes the decision deserves reconsideration, particularly because both batters have had limited opportunities to spend time in the middle during the series.
Rain interruptions have affected the opening matches, while the third ODI was completely abandoned without a ball being bowled. As a result, the two players have had very little match practice in the 50 over format.
Questioning the decision, Ganesh highlighted the importance of actual match exposure, suggesting that playing competitive cricket could provide better preparation than spending extended hours in the nets.
He also acknowledged the importance of red ball preparation but maintained that match situations offer a different level of preparation that cannot be completely replicated during training sessions.
The Test specialists are scheduled to begin their preparations on November 11. Gill, Rahul, left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowler Anshul Kamboj are set to travel to Wellington to join the preparations.
Meanwhile, India’s coaching staff will also be divided for the remainder of the ODI series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will stay with the ODI squad for the fourth and fifth matches, scheduled for November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga.
The debate has once again highlighted the challenge of balancing workload management, format specific preparation and the importance of regular match practice ahead of major international assignments.
