‘India or IPL? If you say franchise cricket then forget WTC final’: Shastri blasts Rohit and Co. after top-order failure

Ravi Shastri blasts Rohit Sharma and the Indian top order

Australia effortlessly tackled the challenging green-top Oval pitch during the initial two days of the World Test Championship final against India. However, Rohit Sharma and his team failed to replicate their performance. With the exception of Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Ravindra Jadeja to some extent, the remaining Indian batsmen struggled against the Australian attack.

The top-order, consisting of the captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, only managed to score a total of 71 runs, leading to India losing four wickets in just 18.2 overs. Former India coach Ravi Shastri took a sharp dig at the Indian batsmen and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), making a remark about the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Also read: WTC Final Day 5 Pitch Report of The Oval

In the first innings, India’s bowlers conceded 469 runs before India suffered quick losses, falling four wickets down. Three of the top-order batsmen had recently participated in the IPL, with two of them being in exceptional form, scoring centuries. However, they were unable to replicate their success in the longer format of the game, which ultimately affected India’s performance.

Also read: WTC Final Day 5 Weather Report

During an interview with Star Sports, Shastri expressed his frustration towards Team India, urging them to prioritize their commitments between the IPL and national duty. He emphasized the need for players to make a decision regarding their priorities and suggested that the BCCI should include a clause in the IPL contracts, granting them the authority to withdraw players in the interest of the national team.

Shastri has previously raised this issue, consistently urging Indian players participating in the WTC final to manage their workload and form during the demanding IPL season. Similar messages were also conveyed to the BCCI and the selectors, requesting their involvement in the decision-making process with the WTC final in mind.

IPL 2024

Related articles

Team India’s ODI Schedule Until the 2027 World Cup

After the 2025 Champions Trophy, India's next big target in ODI cricket will be the 2027 ODI World Cup. So, what does Team India's...

IPL 2025- Players Who Will Miss A Few Matches in the Beginning

The excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is about to begin in just a few days, with the tournament kicking off on March...

Rohit Sharma Leads in Win Percentage as Captain, Surpasses Ponting and Kohli

Indian team captain Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful leaders in the country’s cricket history. Under his captaincy, India has performed exceptionally...

Ravindra Jadeja Breaks Silence on Retirement… Says After Winning Champions Trophy – Don’t Spread Unnecessary Rumors

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India dominated the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and clinched the title while remaining unbeaten. In the tournament...

India Dominates in Dubai, Claims Champions Trophy; Crushes New Zealand in the Final

On Sunday, March 9, India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets to win the Champions Trophy, securing an ICC ODI title after 12 years....

Virat Kohli Leads ODI Singles Record: A Deep Dive Into His Unstoppable Streak Since 2008

“Run! Forrest Run!” is a famous line from the Oscar-winning movie Forrest Gump. Jenny would say this to Forrest whenever he was teased by...

IND vs NZ Final Playing 11: Four Spinners or Three Pacers, What Will Be India’s Strategy?

India and New Zealand will face each other in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday. Team India is unbeaten in the tournament so...

IND vs NZ Stats: India Has Won the Last Six ODIs Against New Zealand, Tough Competition in ICC Tournaments – Check Stats

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be played between India and New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. Both teams will give their best...