The Indian cricket team and BCCI have been at the receiving end of some stern criticism following a 3-0 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series. It was the first time in the history of Indian cricket team that the side was clean-sweeped in a three-Test series at home. The three losses have made India’s road to the World Test Championship final a very tricky affair. Many former cricketers have said faulty preparation is to be blamed for India’s poor show. Former BCCI selector and ex-India player Sunil Joshi believes that he national cricket body should not be blamed and the onus lies on the players.

“The onus and responsibility lies more with the players, than the BCCI or the selection committee,” Joshi told Times of India.

“Let’s not put everything on the BCCI. It’s individual responsibility as well. That’s what I want to stress more on. You know that you are going to play three Test matches, it’s going to be on turners, or it’s going to be on slow wickets. So from white-ball format, (there’s need to) go back to Ranji Trophy and play (in order to get match-ready for the red-ball international season). For everything, the blame can’t be put on the BCCI. The players’ responsibility is also there. Players need to take initiative, and should say, ‘Boss, I will go and play Ranji Trophy, I will go and play Duleep Trophy’.”

He also opined that a series loss at home is always more difficult to handle than an overseas series list.

“Think it’s not easy when you lose a series. I am sure even the team management feels the same…If you want to win WTC or you want to be in the WTC final, or you want to be the number one Test team, we have to play well in India. For that, our preparations, the Ranji Trophy becomes a primary goal (tournament). Back in the days also the Test players did participate in the Ranji Trophy games and post that went on to play Test matches. I have done that. Many players have done that,” he said.

Punjab Kings have decided to retain majority of their support staff after the arrival of new head coach Ricky Ponting with fast bowling coach James Hopes likely to be the sole addition for IPL 2025. Ponting, who was appointed head coach last month, had used the services of fellow Aussie James Hopes when he was head coach at Delhi Capitals. Spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi, batting and fielding coach Brad Haddin and Trevor Gonsalves, who were all part of Trevor Bayliss’ team, have been retained for the upcoming season.

Bayliss was the head coach last year and Sanjay Bangar the head of cricket development with both now out of the coaching setup.

“Brad Haddin and Sunil have been retained. James Hopes is likely to be the fast bowling coach,” an IPL source told PTI.

Ponting has been appointed on a four-year contract in the hope of changing the team’s fortunes. Punjab have never won the IPL and their sole final appearance came way back in 2014.

They have failed to finish even in the top five in the last seven editions and ended ninth out of 10 teams earlier this year.

Ponting yet to decide on player retention

The player retention deadline is October 31 but the Australian great is yet to decide on the number of players to retain ahead of the mega auction.

The franchise is expected to retain lead pacer Arshdeep Singh who has been with them for six seasons. In the uncapped category, they could retain Shashank Singh who provided the silver lining to their otherwise ordinary campaign last year.

“Ricky and his team will decide on the player retention soon,” added the source.

Punjab, who were led by Shikhar Dhawan for the past two season, will be aiming to find their new captain probably at the auction table.