India Overrated in Tests and Highly Overrated in T20Is, Can’t Keep Resting on Past Laurels: Kris Srikkanth
Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has criticized the Indian cricket team, claiming that they are overrated in Test cricket and highly overrated in T20 Internationals (T20Is). Srikkanth argued that deserving players are being overlooked, while underperforming players continue to be given chances.
Srikkanth expressed his concerns about the Indian team on his YouTube channel ahead of the second Test match of 2024. India is currently playing their final Test match of the South Africa series, aiming to salvage a draw after suffering an innings defeat in the first Test in Centurion.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth called the Indian team overrated in Tests and highlighted the lack of opportunities given to deserving candidates like Kuldeep Yadav. He also criticized India’s performance in T20 cricket, stating that they are highly overrated in this format.
In T20 cricket, India is highly overrated. In ODI cricket, we are a fantastic team. However, what happens in ODI tournaments, especially in the knockout matches, relies heavily on luck. We have sometimes underperformed in the semi-finals and finals. But when it comes to ODIs, regardless of the venue, whether it’s in India, Australia, or South Africa, we are a top-class team, Srikkanth stated.
Srikkanth acknowledged that India had a successful phase under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, particularly in the 2-4 year period. However, he believes that the team has been resting on their past laurels and living off their reputation ever since.
In Test cricket, we are overrated. We need to recognize that it was a phase of 2-3 years when Virat Kohli led the team exceptionally well. We dominated in England, put up a good fight in South Africa, and emerged victorious in Australia. India had a good phase for 2-4 years. Yes, we were dominating in England and Australia, Srikkanth explained.
Despite finishing 2023 as the top-ranked team in all formats, India failed to win any ICC tournaments. They lost the World Test Championship Final and the ODI World Cup Final to Australia. The only trophy they lifted in 2023 was the Asia Cup.
Srikkanth emphasized the need for India to move on from their reliance on ICC rankings. He argued that several Indian players are overrated, while deserving talents remain on the sidelines.
We need to forget about the ICC rankings. We are constantly ranked 1-2, but it’s a combination of having overrated players and those who haven’t performed up to their potential. Some players like Kuldeep Yadav haven’t been given enough opportunities, Srikkanth opined.
Srikkanth also responded to India captain Rohit Sharma’s statement after the first Test loss, where Sharma expressed confidence in the team’s ability to win matches away from home. Srikkanth reminded everyone that those wins came 18 months ago and urged them to focus on recent performances instead.
To be the best team, you need to dominate even on the opponent’s home ground. We have achieved that before when Rishabh Pant was performing exceptionally well. However, if we keep talking about our victories in Australia and England without looking at our recent performances in the last 2 years or 18 months, we won’t progress, Srikkanth concluded.
Srikkanth’s scathing comments highlight the need for India to reassess their approach and ensure that deserving players are given opportunities to shine. As they continue their final Test against South Africa, it remains to be seen if India can prove their critics wrong and get back to winning ways in the longest format of the game.
