It was the norm to play a couple of warm-up games before getting into a Test series out of asia. But that has changed, it seems.India will not be playing even one practice game ahead of their three-Test series in New Zealand in March.The decision that has shocked most observers.
India's last series in New Zealand six years ago ended in disaster. They lost the one-day series 2-5 and were beaten easily in both the Test matches.
"One should have at least one practice game. Two practice games would be ideal but minimum one game is a must because the players get used to the wicket conditions and the climatic conditions," said former Indian coach Lalchand Rajput.
Rajput speaks from experience. He was coach when India toured Australia in 2007-2008 and played just one practice game before the first Test in Melbourne. That game was washed out and India went on to lose the Test.
Former players told that the BCCI hasn't learnt from that experience.
"I am surprised because if I am playing today, I would be wondering what is the logic behind not having a practice game. Why won't you have a practice game? Especially when you are going to New Zealand and especially because of the target you have set yourself," said former India player Sanjay Manjrekar.
That may be the expert view, but some players aren't worried too much.
"Personally, I don't like practice games. I would instead concentrate on my batting in the nets or rest because I know if I score a hundred in the practice game, I may not succeed in the big game. So it's better to score that hundred in the Test rather than in a practice match," said Virender Sehwag.
New Zealand cricket has promised to hold a camp for the Test players but can that make up for a warm-up? We will have to wait and see.
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