The persistent failure of the Indian team to win an ICC title has led to significant scrutiny. In the wake of their loss in the World Test Championship final, many ex-players have criticized the management's decision-making. Specifically, former captain Dilip Vengsarkar has called out the BCCI and the selectors for failing to strategically develop the next generation of captains.
Team India’s repeated failures to win an ICC title have seen it court plenty of criticism. After the recent unsuccessful stint in the World Test Championship final, many former cricketers have come down heavily on the team and the management over certain decisions. Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar blasted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors as they lacked vision in grooming the next captain of the Indian team.
Vengsarkar highlighted the 2021 Sri Lanka tour, where Shikhar Dhawan took the captaincy, as a prime example of poor planning. He expressed his disappointment with the selectors of the last several years, claiming they lack the vision and deep understanding of the game required for the role. He argued that utilizing temporary vacancies during overlapping tours is the ideal way to groom future leaders, but this opportunity has been wasted.
Vengsarkar lamented the lack of a structured development program, stating that the team simply plays game-by-game without a long-term plan. He questioned the lack of depth in the squad, noting that being the richest board in the world means little if there is no bench strength. He further argued that financial gains from the IPL and media deals are not a substitute for actual cricketing achievement.
While acknowledging that various factors led to India's defeat in the WTC final, Vengsarkar reminded everyone that it was a single match. He maintained that India remains a formidable side capable of recovering in the coming years. However, he noted a concerning lack of clarity regarding who will take over the captaincy as Rohit Sharma nears the end of his playing days.