'Your Best Players Should Play Test,' Says Rohit Sharma On South Africa vs New Zealand Controversy

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Indian captain Rohit Sharma feels that every ICC member must protect the sanctity of Test cricket as it remains the ultimate format. Cricket South Africa recently selected seven uncapped players, including an inexperienced debutant Neil Brand, for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

CSA took the call to name a depleted squad as the dates of the tour collides with SA20 franchise tournament. All the SA20 franchises are owned by IPL team owners and the move to prioritize franchise cricket has earned widespread criticism.

"For me, Test remains ultimate challenge and we would like to see best players playing that format but everyone has own problems to deal with and make sure there is a reason behind it," Rohit Sharma said on CSA decision.

"I don't know what the reason is (for SA not picking senior players) and in Test cricket you want to see best players being available but like I said I don't know what internal discussions are in CSA but from my perspective, the priority should be given to Test cricket. It's a challenge that you face everyday."

"Test Cricket is something that we all have to protect and it's not just one or two countries' responsibility but all who are playing, keep it nice and entertaining. Around the world, you can see some solid Test cricket being played and you have seen results everywhere and competitive cricket being played, so it's everyone's duty to ensure it stays nice and healthy and that is what people come to watch. That's everyone's responsibility," Rohit Sharma added.

Meanwhile, South African stand-in captain Dean Elgar, who retires after India vs South Africa Test series, didn't hold back while expressing his disgust about Cricket South Africa sending a third-string squad to New Zealand under an uncapped captain just because the series is coinciding with the cash-rich SA20.

"I still think Test cricket will have a future and in speaking to the younger guys in the dressing room, they still live for the format," Elgar said. "The situation we've been put in from a cricketing fraternity perspective isn't ideal and maybe the team that's selected to go to New Zealand isn't ideal for the conversation of how I see Test cricket."