When Numero Uno Test Side India who recently had hogged global attention by becoming World Champs in One Dayers landed in England, no Indian fan or critic would have thought such a talented, skilled and top side would roll over so easily and be thrashed so badly by inform English side in home conditions.

The Indian team never really got going on the nightmarish tour. Be it the injuries to key players, lack of planning and preparation for the tour. Also some of younger cricketers like Raina were found wanting, lacking right technique and temperament to succeed against good attack in hostile conditions.

I think Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) rightly deserves most of the flak for Indian team’s debacle which was waiting to happen sooner than later.  I agree with sports journalists and cricket fans, that BCCI seems more interested in making money than improving standard of Indian cricket.  It is common knowledge that English seaming and swinging conditions are difficult to cope for most Touring sides esp. those from subcontinent used to playing on flat wickets. BCCI in it’s wisdom felt just one practice match was enough ( owing to scheduling and commitments, when experts believed at-least three practice matches were required to get the team match fit and in peak form.

Then Fitness of Indian cricket team is a major issue. There seems to be a belief in Indian cricket that only talent is enough and one can give fitness a miss. All such excuses need to be stamped out and BCCI needs to get very strict with Players and Support staff on fitness issues. In modern professional sport, fitness is paramount. To play any sport (at the highest level) with high intensity/energy and total commitment, day in and day out, a sportsman needs be in top physical shape to perform well.

Indian Team needs to have more physical/fielding trainers, physios, high performance coaches. Plus, Indian team needs expert guidance to sharpen batting and bowling skills. Esp. Bowlers: faster bowlers or spin bowlers all seemed clueless and toothless.

Moreover, Indian team needs to conduct fortnight training camps before embarking on tough tours. This will get team bond better, focus and plan better for the battles on the field.

BCCI also needs to act tough with selectors so that senior players can be rotated wisely (and not have them break down between tours) and promising cricketers are provided opportunity in time to shine and cement their spot in the national side.