The recent cricket tour of Ireland and England was a stark reminder that international success isn't guaranteed by IPL fame. Our team, supposedly a powerhouse, looked out of shape and struggled immensely on lively pitches, losing 6 of 7 T20s and 2 of 3 ODIs. It seems players couldn't adapt quickly after two months of flat-track IPL cricket, and some were clearly not international-ready. It exposed deep-seated issues, from fitness levels to tactical readiness. The talk of 'course correction' by the board feels like an understatement; we need a complete overhaul. There's even chatter about 'protocol violations' and 'unauthorised persons' during the IPL, raising questions about professionalism and focus. It’s high time we prioritize national team performance over league glamor. This brutal reality check should lead to fundamental changes, not just superficial fixes. Our players deserve better preparation, and our fans deserve genuine accountability. #Cricket #Sports #Politics https://indianexpress.com/article/sport… 🔗