Domestic Form Is Not International Class
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mohapatra
International cricket and domestic cricket are two entirely different worlds. Outstanding performance in domestic tournaments, or even in practice matches, does not necessarily guarantee success at the international level. The transition demands far more than runs and wickets—it requires the ability to handle superior bowling, relentless pressure, unfamiliar conditions, different pitches, hostile crowds and the enormous expectations associated with representing the country.
History shows that many cricketers who performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket struggled to reproduce the same form in international matches. Conversely, some players who initially appeared ordinary domestically eventually developed into outstanding international cricketers.
Therefore, selecting an international player merely on the basis of domestic statistics can be misleading. Out of perhaps a hundred talented domestic cricketers, only a relatively small number may possess the technical, mental and temperament-related qualities required to succeed consistently at the international level. International cricket is the ultimate test of adaptability, resilience and temperament.
This is why a player’s performance must be assessed over a reasonable period and across different conditions rather than on the basis of a few impressive domestic innings.
In this context, Devdutt Padikkal’s recent century is particularly noteworthy. He received an opportunity at No. 3 because Sai Sudharsan was injured, and he seized that opportunity in impressive fashion. Such performances can provide confidence, but the real test is whether he can sustain his form against quality international attacks and in different conditions.
The ongoing struggle of Australia against supposedly weaker Bangladesh on home soil is another reminder that cricket cannot be reduced to rankings, reputations or past records. Conditions, pressure, adaptability and the performance on a particular day can dramatically alter the outcome.
That is the beauty of cricket. Domestic success is an important stepping stone, but international cricket demands a completely different level of skill, temperament and adaptability.
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mohapatra
