Yograj Singh’s recent remarks have added fuel to an already heated debate surrounding the Indian Test team’s struggles. India’s red-ball performance has been under intense scrutiny, especially after the shocking 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand last November. The disappointment continued when they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Despite dominating the shorter formats, including their triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 campaign under Rohit Sharma, India’s inconsistency in Tests remains a glaring concern.
With an upcoming five-match Test series in England, where they haven’t won a series since 2007, the pressure is mounting. In his characteristic fiery style, Yograj Singh believes the team’s potential is far from being exhausted.
If given the role of head coach, he claims he would turn this unit into an unbeatable force without needing major personnel changes. His primary focus, he insists, would be on supporting experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, ensuring they play more domestic cricket to regain form rather than being sidelined.
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“If you make me the coach of the Indian team, I will use these same players to transform it into a side that will be unbeatable for ages,” Yograj Singh said. He strongly opposed the tendency to drop senior players at the first sign of poor form, adding, “People are always ready to throw them out—drop Rohit Sharma or drop Kohli—but why? They are going through a rough patch, and I want to tell my kids that I am with them. I’ll tell them to play Ranji Trophy, or I will make Rohit run 20 km. Nobody does that.”
Yograj further emphasized that legends like Kohli and Rohit should be nurtured, not discarded. “These players are diamonds. You don’t throw them out. I will be like their father. I have never differentiated between Yuvraj and others, not even Dhoni. But what is wrong is wrong,” he concluded, making it clear that accountability should be balanced with trust in senior players.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that both Kohli and Rohit might be part of the India A squad for two four-day tour matches against the England Lions. These games are intended as a crucial preparation phase before the full-fledged England Test series begins. The warm-up matches are set to start on May 30, just days after the IPL 2025 final.
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The selection of the India A squad, however, will depend on player availability post-IPL, making it an interesting wait for the final squad announcement. Additionally, players like Karun Nair are reportedly in contention for a place in the India A squad.
These unofficial Tests often serve as a gateway for fringe players to stake their claim in the senior team. For now, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain occupied with their IPL 2025 commitments, leading Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, respectively. However, their red-ball future, especially on the England tour, remains a focal point of discussion.
