Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised the “star culture” dominating Indian cricket, voicing concerns about its negative impact on the team’s performance and future. Gavaskar’s remarks followed India’s disappointing 1-3 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia, under Pat Cummins’ leadership, secured a six-wicket win in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reclaiming the trophy after a decade.
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar expressed his disappointment and urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take strict steps to restore discipline and accountability. He emphasised that players must prioritise Indian cricket and show full commitment.
“I believe the next 8–10 days are critical for Indian cricket to reflect and make necessary changes. Most importantly, the star culture must end. Total commitment to Indian cricket is non-negotiable. Players should make themselves available at all times unless they have a genuine medical emergency. If someone isn’t fully committed, they shouldn’t be considered for selection,” Gavaskar said.
This was India’s first Test series defeat to Australia in 10 years. Gavaskar also lamented the missed opportunity to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where South Africa and Australia secured the spots.
“We don’t need players who are partly focused here and partly elsewhere. It’s time to stop pampering individuals. The results have been disappointing—we should have been in the WTC final, but we didn’t make it,” he added.
Gavaskar’s comments come amid growing concerns over Indian players’ reluctance to play domestic cricket, which some believe affects their preparation and form for international matches.
Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced criticism after failing to deliver in the series. Rohit opted out of the final Test due to poor form, while Kohli’s struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump continued, with his only highlight being a century in Perth.
Calling for immediate reforms, Gavaskar urged the BCCI to act firmly and end preferential treatment. “The BCCI needs to stop behaving like admirers and take charge. They must remind players that Indian cricket comes first. It’s either complete commitment or other priorities—you can’t have both. Only those fully dedicated to Indian cricket should be selected,” Gavaskar concluded.