Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for stricter selection standards, urging the Indian team management to move on from players who continue to deliver below-par performances in the field. The batting legend believes modern international cricket leaves little room for average fielders, especially when dropped catches and misfields can decide the outcome of matches.

India’s fielding came under intense scrutiny during the recent tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe. Across those assignments, the Men in Blue managed just four wins in 12 matches, with their sloppy fielding proving costly on several occasions. The issue was particularly evident in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, where India dropped as many as 10 catches, raising fresh concerns over the team’s fielding standards.

The disappointing performances have also put the spotlight on India’s coaching setup. T Dilip, the team’s fielding coach, has reportedly come under pressure following the recent dip in standards. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who also has expertise in fielding, is believed to have had a limited role in that department due to Dilip’s responsibilities.

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Writing in Sportstar, Sunil Gavaskar did not mince his words while stressing that teams can no longer afford to carry multiple average fielders in international cricket. “It’s mandatory that if a player is an average fielder, he has to be shown the door. There is simply no way a captain has to hide three or four players, hoping the ball won’t go anywhere near them,” Gavaskar wrote.

While critical of India’s fielding, Sunil Gavaskar urged the team management not to overreact following the disappointing overseas results. Instead, he called for an honest review of the team’s performances, particularly focusing on batting discipline and shot selection.

According to Gavaskar, batters must learn to control their aggression and play according to the match situation rather than trying to maintain an attacking reputation. He acknowledged that T20 cricket often demands constant aggression but emphasised that the ODI format allows players enough time to settle before shifting gears.

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With the BCCI expected to conduct a review of the recent tours, Gavaskar believes improving fielding standards and making smarter batting decisions should be among India’s top priorities as the team prepares for a busy international calendar.