Former India keeper urges team to drop WTC chase and focus on rebuilding
Ex-India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta suggested the side abandon its World Test Championship ambitions and concentrate on long-term transition ahead of the Sri Lanka series.
Ahead of the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka, former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta called for the national side to stop prioritising qualification for the 2025-27 World Test Championship final. Citing recent home losses to South Africa and New Zealand, he warned that the pressure to qualify could push the team toward short-term solutions. Dasgupta used a medical metaphor, contrasting a temporary band-aid with proper stitches and rest, to illustrate the need for a deeper rebuild.
He urged the team to emulate the 2020-21 era when India performed strongly both at home and overseas. While acknowledging the uncertainty of the transition, he stressed that visible improvement should outweigh immediate results. The side, currently fifth with a 48.15% points rate, faces a demanding schedule that includes tours of Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a five-match home series against Australia.
Why it matters
Dasgupta's view challenges the current focus on WTC qualification, highlighting the tension between short-term results and long-term team development.
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