"Why Team India Avoids First-Class Practice Matches?" Rohit Sharma Explained

Was the absence of practice matches a factor in Team India’s loss in the first Test against South Africa? India captain Rohit Sharma disagrees, stating that playing First-Class practice Tests wouldn’t have provided any benefit due to the ‘contrasting difference’ in the two situations. Following India’s defeat in the opening Test to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs, Rohit addressed questions in the press conference about the team’s choice to prioritize intra-squad contests over traditional practice matches.

Rohit Sharma Explains Team India’s Avoidance of First-Class Practice Tests on Overseas Tours

"Why Team India Avoids First-Class Practice Matches?" Rohit Sharma Explained

Rohit emphasized that the choice to play intra-squad matches was influenced by the characteristics of the wickets and the opposition players in the practice sessions. The Indian captain asserted that the wickets used in practice matches don’t replicate the bounce and pace encountered on actual match pitches. Speaking in a press conference, Rohit said:

“We have been playing practice matches in the last 4-5 years. We also tried to play first-class matches. The wicket that you get in the matches, you won’t get that in the practice matches. It is better that we prepare according to our requirements, we prepare the pitch according to our requirements. We can have control of the ground,”

He added: “When we went to Australia the last time, when we played in South Africa in 2018, the ball didn’t bounce beyond the knee-roll on practice pitches. But here, the ball flies over your head. So, all these things were considered and we decided to prepare according to our own style,”

Rohit expressed his willingness to participate in practice Tests during tours, given that the wickets provided mirror the conditions found in real match scenarios. He said:

“If you get the conditions in a practice match that would be similar to the ones in the Tests, then it’s fine. Bowlers also, we get pacers who bowl 120-125 kph. We have experienced that in the last two or three practice matches. It’s better we face our own bowlers and prepare pitch according to our will,”