Rotation policy of little relevance in India’s context | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Rotation policy of little relevance in India’s context

Hindustan Times | ByAakash Chopra
Feb 12, 2012 11:58 PM IST

Indian cricket seems to be obsessed with the 'rotation policy'. What is it? The concept took form when Australia reached a crescendo in early 2000.

Indian cricket seems to be obsessed with the 'rotation policy'. What is it? The concept took form when Australia reached a crescendo in early 2000.

Sachin-Tendulkar-gestures-during-a-training-session-at-the-WACA-in-Perth-Australia-Australia-will-play-India-in-the-third-test-AP-Photo
Sachin-Tendulkar-gestures-during-a-training-session-at-the-WACA-in-Perth-Australia-Australia-will-play-India-in-the-third-test-AP-Photo

They had reached a stage when the only way to improve was to compete with oneself. That’s when they introduced the policy for ‘in-form’ cricketers. The idea was to rest a player after a few games, regardless of a sterling performance, in order to give an opportunity to his peer. This kept them on their toes and, more importantly, maintained form.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

But, is this policy relevant to the Indian context, especially when the team is under fire? We are told that the three seniors at the top of the order would keep replacing each other. The rationale is to give the youngsters an extended run, allowing them a cushion to fail in the middle order without worrying about getting the sack.

But, in doing so, aren’t the fundamentals being inverted? Ironically, we are rotating the players who're already struggling for form and in the bargain we have almost resigned to losing an early wicket each time. Losing an early wicket is a concern, but the bigger concern is that a player is rested after a solitary botched outing, thereby denying him the opportunity to rediscover form.

This compulsory rotation at the top has also sent a wrong message to the middle order. The batsmen are most likely to think that regardless of the errors they commit, they are guaranteed of a place in the starting XI. Is this acceptable?

While I understand the need to prepare for the future, it may not be advisable to sacrifice the present. If we need to rotate players, we must stick to those who're in form and have earned a break.

Also, if the ploy is to placate the fans who’ve been vocal in criticising the seniors for the Test debacle, it’s a short-term solution. If we don't get back to winning ways, the fans will not only criticise the cricketers but also the unfathomable strategies employed by the team.

The writer is a former India opener and plays domestic cricket for Rajasthan

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On