India prepares for Asian Games 2026: Coach Lakshman monitors team preparation

Dilip Vengsarkar, a former captain and distinguished cricketer, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the selection of the Indian squad, raising a serious question about why players who perform brilliantly in domestic cricket (Ranji Trophy) are not given a deserved place in the national team.

Vengsarkar stated that if performances in domestic tournaments do not qualify one for the international team, then holding these tournaments is pointless. Discussing this in an interview with a media channel, he sharply remarked: 'If you believe that these domestic matches are not the basis for selection, then just stop the Ranji Trophy. Don't play it.'

He emphasized that players put in enormous effort, win matches, and take crucial wickets. If they are not given a chance in the Indian team after all this, it is considered a waste of time.

Vengsarkar specifically highlighted the fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, Akib Nabi, who made a splash in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. He is currently part of the ODI team against the West Indies but is still awaiting his debut.

Expressing surprise over the exclusion of the outstanding bowler Mohammad Shammi from the team, Vengsarkar noted that Shammi took 37 wickets in the recent Ranji season and had an average below 17. Furthermore, he contributed significantly to the Eastern region's championship in the Dilip Trophy 2026.

Mohammad Shammi has been outside the test squad since June 2023 and in international cricket since March 2025. Vengsarkar strongly advocated for Shammi's inclusion before the upcoming test series against New Zealand, asserting that he did not understand why he was excluded. He considers Shammi an excellent bowler who has demonstrated outstanding results both domestically and internationally, and he should be an important part of the Indian team.

Before traveling to the Asian Games in Japan, the Indian men's cricket team encountered an unusual situation related to their uniforms. Some players were unable to receive a complete set of equipment in the correct size. Nevertheless, most problems have been resolved, and the remaining gear is expected to arrive at the team soon.

The Indian team, led by Shreyas Iyer, will depart from New Delhi for Japan early Sunday morning. According to information received by PTI, there have been ongoing negotiations between the BCCI and the equipment supplier JSW Inspire, which works with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), regarding the players' kits.

An IOA source reported that there was an issue with the sizing of the cricketers' equipment. Most issues have been settled, although some players' gear has not yet been delivered and will be provided to the team shortly. The Indian athletes will need to wear two different types of uniforms in Japan: their regular kit for the single match against Japan on September 22, and subsequently, when the Asian Games cricket events begin on September 28, players will wear the official Asian Games uniform.

In addition to uniforms, the BCCI also arranged accommodation for the Indian team. Given the delay in providing housing to other Indian players in Nagoya, the board decided to independently organize a hotel for the men's cricket team. According to one source, the rooms provided by the organizers were not spacious enough even for storing the players' sports bags. Although there are not many large hotels in Nagoya, the BCCI arranged accommodation for the team immediately before their departure to Japan.

Meanwhile, the women's cricket team did not face accommodation difficulties and is staying in housing provided by the IOA.

Discussions within the framework of the Asian Games concern more than just living conditions. Questions are arising regarding the sporting facilities available on site and especially the condition of the pitch. This time, a separate sports village was not created for the Asian Games players. Organizers utilized cruise liners, containers, and hotels to house the athletes. Some Indian players were forced to wait for hours to check into their accommodation.