1. Crushing 209-Run Loss
In the 2023 World Test Championship final, Australia thrashed India by 209 runs. It wasn’t just a defeat on the scoreboard it exposed flaws in preparation and planning.
2. IPL Fatigue Clearly Visible
Most Indian players had just come off two and a half months of intense IPL cricket. This showed in their lack of rhythm and readiness for red-ball cricket.
3. Australia’s Superior Preparation
Many Australian players skipped the IPL, some by choice and some unsold. As a result, they had better red-ball practice and appeared match-fit and focused.
4. Rohit Sharma’s Honest Confession
After the match, then-captain Rohit Sharma admitted, “Ideally, we need 20–25 days of preparation for such a game, but realistically, that’s not going to happen—so maybe you’ve got to skip the IPL.”
5. Shastri’s Straight Talk: Skip IPL or Suffer Losses
Ravi Shastri was blunt: if the WTC final continues to fall in June after IPL every year, the BCCI must consider framing policies or clauses for franchises to manage players better.
6. Australia in Perfect Red-Ball Flow
Players like Steve Smith and Travis Head, who didn’t participate in the IPL, scored brilliant centuries. They looked completely in sync with the demands of Test match rhythm and discipline.
7. Indian Batters Looked Inconsistent
Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane had their moments with classy strokes but fell prey to Australia’s patient and disciplined bowling attack.
8. Bowling Lacked Depth and Stamina
Used to bowling short 4-over spells in the IPL, Indian bowlers struggled to deliver sustained spells suited for red-ball cricket. The lack of consistency was evident.
9. Time to Rethink Strategy
This loss was more than just a game—it questioned the current planning structure. Is the glitter of IPL coming at the cost of Test cricket preparation?
10. Path Ahead for Indian Cricket
If the WTC final continues to follow the IPL calendar, BCCI must create new frameworks to ensure players are better prepared for red-ball cricket and peak performance.
Conclusion
India’s loss in the WTC 2023 final is a wake-up call. The balance between IPL and Test cricket preparation needs urgent attention. With veterans like Ravi Shastri and Rohit Sharma raising concerns, it’s high time the BCCI addresses this scheduling conflict to keep India’s red-ball legacy alive.
June 11, 2025