NEW DELHI: India’s alarming run in home tests has sparked strong reactions across the cricketing circle, with former players and legends questioning the team’s preparation and technique.

Now, World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev has stepped into the debate with a pointed assessment of India’s struggles in the longer format.

Players are not facing enough quality cricket

Kapil highlighted that previous generations were better equipped for tough tests because they were molded on varied domestic surfaces. He questioned how many current players truly spend time in the grind of domestic cricket.

“They had their own style, proper footwork and experience on different pitches. I just want to know how many of today’s players are actually playing domestic cricket,” Kapil said.
“If you do not face quality bowlers, you will struggle.”

The former captain believes India’s overdependence on limited overs cricket has led to batters losing the patience required to survive on bowler friendly tracks.

You lose the toss and the game is gone

Kapil did not hold back while commenting on the pitches used in recent tests in India.

“You lose the toss and the game is gone. What is the use of a pitch where no team goes past 200 It is not good for Test cricket,” he said.

He added that playing spin and seam on testing surfaces needs a different mindset altogether — one that cannot be developed without exposure to tougher domestic conditions.

Test batting is about time in the middle

One of Kapil’s strongest concerns was the diminishing art of batting long hours, something he feels sets this generation apart from the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

“On pitches that help spin and seam, you need another set of skills. Once you learn to play on those surfaces, your mindset changes,” Kapil said.
“You do not have batters like Dravid and Laxman who knew how to stay at the wicket.”

Kapil also stressed that reading spin requires superior technique and footwork, something that cannot be bypassed even with modern formats dominating the calendar.

While critiquing India’s technical shortcomings, Kapil defended Rishabh Pant’s natural attacking approach, saying he should never be forced into a defensive mould.

“If your temperament is to hit like Pant, then it is different. You cannot ask him to defend. He is a match winner,” Kapil noted.

He emphasized that players like Pant bring an edge that should be preserved rather than reshaped.