Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has openly criticized the national selectors after India’s Test series defeat to South Africa, raising concerns over the selection policy that he believes favors players based on Indian Premier League (IPL) performances rather than sustained red-ball form.
Uthappa questioned the logic of prioritizing IPL achievements in choosing the Test team, emphasizing that the longest format demands consistency, temperament, and adaptability—qualities not fully reflected in T20 statistics.
"You cannot pick red-ball players based on IPL form. The dynamics are completely different," Uthappa said during a post-match discussion.
He further stressed the need for a more transparent and structured selection process focused on players’ performances in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, which offer a more accurate measure of Test potential.
The former cricketer suggested that India must strengthen its pipeline for Test specialists rather than relying on batting and bowling talent molded by the T20 format. His remarks have reignited debate among fans and experts about the balance between short-format success and Test-level readiness.
Uthappa argued that India’s Test team should be built on red-ball merit, not IPL flashes, calling for a return to core cricketing fundamentals in selection decisions.