‘BCCI is cheapening the India cap’ – Sunil Gavaskar on too many debuts amid packed cricketing calendar

Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar believes that getting an India cap is ceasing to remain as worthy since the Board of Control for Cricket in India is handing debuts to way too many players on tours against relatively depleted teams like Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, among others. However, Gavaskar highlighted that the Indian team is playing too much cricket right now, which could lead to fatigue for players and fans.

The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that following a rotation policy for different tours is not allowing for the players to have a sense of belonging in the Indian team since they get rested despite proving their worth on the international stage. Fast-tracking of players into the Indian team isn’t something Gavaskar seems to be a fan of.

“Yes, BCCI is like the elder brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, and have always tried to help them grow on the field and boost their finances by touring these countries. However, our cricketers’ health and fitness are also crucial and there should be a clear month’s rest for our players in the year.

“India is blessed with talent and so you can rotate the players but that is cheapening the India cap. The cap mustn’t be given because a player replaces the undroppable player who is rested. It has to be earned,” the legendary India cricketer wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

Furthermore, the veteran of the game gave an example of how senior bowler Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the recent assignment at home against Afghanistan, while he should have been played by the BCCI, further helping improve his records in the format. Gavaskar is a believer of taking the best team onto the field whenever the Indian side is playing.

“In the Test against Afghanistan, who have been honest triers but nothing more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries, and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah was rested, but wouldn’t he have liked to have added a fifer or a tenfer to his career record against this team.

When India is playing, then the best team must play, unless there are injuries of course. But this resting because of workload must be avoided as much as possible. Have a look at the calendar and you will see that India is playing every month somewhere or the other,” Gavaskar expressed.

The 76-year-old said that young players should first prove themselves with the ‘A’ team and at the age-group level before being picked to play directly for the senior team. He further urged the board to consider allowing a little more time for the players as well as the fans after the end of next year’s IPL, allowing them to have sufficient rest before resuming high-profile action.

“Yes, by all means have ‘A’ team and U-19 matches so that young players get the opportunity and the experience, but please spare our elite players and ensure they as a team and not just as individuals get at least a month’s break in the year,” wrote Gavaskar.

“This year’s schedule is already done and nothing can be changed, but since the thinking is to have the IPL start and finish early next year is there, then please add a month’s rest to not just the players but the fans of Indian cricket,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that India played a multi-format home series against Afghanistan within just one week of IPL 2026 concluding. On Friday, June 26, they will start the T20I series against Ireland before travelling to the United Kingdom for a white-ball tour against England, starting July 01.