Madan Lal Blasts BCCI After India’s 0-2 Defeat

“Turning a blind eye” — that’s the sharp accusation former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup champion Madan Lal has levelled against chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI after India’s shock 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa. Reported by NDTV. 

India’s recent loss marks the second home Test series whitewash in a little over a year, raising serious questions about the team’s preparation and selection strategy.

The batting unit, in particular, crumbled under pressure, with only one Indian batter managing a half-century across the entire series.

Reacting strongly to the setback, Madan Lal criticised the selectors for allegedly prioritising IPL performances over consistent red-ball form.

He questioned the logic behind team selection and suggested that the committee has been overlooking crucial issues in Indian cricket.

Lal’s comments come at a time when fans and experts are already debating India’s Test future and whether the current selection process needs a complete rethink following the disappointing South Africa results.

"I got the impression that these players are not serious about Test cricket anymore. I would call it the IPL effect, where the mentality is to hit every delivery for a six or a four," said Madan Lal, in an interview with Sportstar.

Lal criticised the selection committee, which is led by Ajit Agarkar, in their choice of players for Test cricket.

"At times, I kept wondering that if you are going to pick players based on their IPL performances, then what's the need for playing the Ranji Trophy.

That's your ultimate platform to find players who can bat for long, but it seems like they are turning a blind eye towards the premier tournament," said Lal.

Lal's criticism comes amidst a number of proven performers in India's first-class system, such as Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwarn and Rinku Singh, not being given a long run with the Test team.

However, while Lal did criticise the selection, he did not put the entire blame on head coach Gautam Gambhir.

"It's a collective failure. It's easiest to sack the coach. Yes, he has made mistakes, but putting all the blame on him is also not fair, because at the end of the day, the players, too, have made mistakes. The head coach and the players are equally accountable," said Lal.