File photo of Rohit Sharma© AFP
Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to put an end to the 'star culture' present in the Indian cricket team after the series loss against Australia. India's World Test Championship (WTC) last dreams were completely shattered after suffering a heavy defeat against Australia in the Sydney Test on Sunday. Gavaskar said on Star Sports that the cricketers should make themselves available for selection at all times unless there is a medical emergency, and even advised the selectors to consider the players being fully committed to the side.
“I think the next eight to 10 days are crucial for Indian cricket to take a good and honest look at itself. Most importantly, star culture must end. Total commitment to Indian cricket is non-negotiable. Players must make themselves available at all times unless there is a true medical emergency. If a person does not give his full effort, he or she should not be considered for selection,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar did not hold back in his criticism of the team and said it is time to stop 'spoiling' the cricketers and that the BCCI should stop 'behaving like admirers' and putting its foot down in certain matters must put.
“We don't need players who are partly here and partly elsewhere. It's time to stop spoiling anyone. Recent results have been disappointing: we should have been in the final of the World Test Championship but didn't make it “, said Gavaskar.
“The cricket board must stop behaving like admirers and put their foot down. They must tell the players that Indian cricket comes first. It is either a complete commitment to Indian cricket or other priorities; you can not having it both ways cricket is your priority, only then you have to get selected,” he added.
India's next assignment is the white-ball series against England at home.
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