Rahul Dravid says worried over lack of skill, talent coming to team

Former captain Rahul Dravid has questioned the "skill, ability and talent" of the cricketers representing India following the country's abject surrender in the Kolkata Test.

"People talk about attitude and say (the players) don't care because there is too much money in the IPL. That's one side of things, but the main thing is their lack of skill and ability, which is more worrying for me. It raises questions as to the talent and quality of players coming through," Dravid told 'BBC Test Match Special'.

"One of the challenges India face is that our domestic cricket is not of the quality to allow players to seamlessly move into international cricket."

"I think having 'A' tours and the academy system is becoming more and more important and I think England have been pretty good with that in the way that the academy travels every winter to different parts of the world. I think that is something India can learn," Dravid said.

The veteran of 164 Tests and 13,288 runs also said that he can understand the anger of the fans towards the team. "A lot of people are upset not just (because of the loss) but the manner of the defeats. India won three tosses and had the wicket in their favour in Mumbai and the best of the batting conditions here in Kolkata, but they just haven't been able to capitalise or put up a fight," said Dravid.

He also said that R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha didn't deliver as per expectations. "India have been outbowled in the spin department and that's a worrying sign because spin has been our strength."

Questioning the team's effort in the field and their general fitness standards, he was blunt: "You can't demand runs, but you can at least demand accountability in terms of intensity and effort."

ALSO READ

CBI chief says report on coal block 'clean and clear'

Party support on track, Bansal, Ashwani to stay

Border face-off ends: India, China withdraw troops, remove tents

Pawar to seek special package for state