‘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

SRH vs GT Pitch Report: Hyderabad – A Graveyard for Bowlers, Know What to Expect from the Pitch

The 19th match of IPL 2025 will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday, 6 April, at the Rajiv...

PBKS vs RR: Batters or Bowlers – Who Will Dominate on the Mullanpur Pitch? Know the Pitch Report

The 18th league match of IPL 2025 will be played between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in...

CSK vs DC Pitch Report: Will Spinners Dominate or Will Batters Rule in Chennai? Know the Pitch Conditions for This Match

In the 17th match of IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings will face Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams have...

IPL 2025 LSG vs MI- Ekana Stadium Pitch Report Today Match

When Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants face off in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Friday, all eyes will be on the...

Mitchell Santner Family- Father, Mother, Siblings

Born on February 5, 1992, Mitchell Josef Santner is a versatile New Zealand international cricketer, showcasing his skills across all formats of the game....

KKR vs SRH 2025 Playing 11: Kolkata and Hyderabad Eager to Return to Winning Ways – Check Predicted Lineups

Despite having star players, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad have not had an ideal start to IPL 2025. Both teams have played three...

KKR vs SRH: Who Will Win Today’s Match? Stats to Determine the Stronger Team

Kolkata Knight Riders will take the field at their home ground, Eden Gardens Stadium, on April 3 to face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams have...

RCB vs GT- Bengaluru Pitch Report, Weather Forecast and IPL Stats

The 14th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will witness an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT)...