Mohinder Amarnath feels irrational scheduling of the Indian Premier League was a major factor in India's debacle in the Twenty20 World Cup, and also questioned the purpose of India's short tour to the West Indies.
Amarnath supported coach Gary Kirsten's views on India's defeat, but refused to measure skills of Indian players on the Twenty20 yardstick.
India failed to defend their title after being knocked out at the Super Eight stage and it was revealed five key players, including skipper MS Dhoni, carried injuries to the mega event.
The former India batsman questioned the timing of the Indian Premier League ahead of the World Cup.
"Half of the team was not fit in the World Cup, so how can you expect them to win? It was not IPL, it was international cricket. Playing for the country is of utmost importance, so better planning would have helped in avoiding those injuries," Amarnath said.
"You cannot evaluate a player's talent on the basis of performance in Twenty20. It's a matter of 20 overs and the game could go either way. A judgment cannot be passed after defeat or victory in just one tournament," he said.
Amarnath was also baffled with the scheduling of the short West Indies tour, which, he feels, lacks sense and is utter waste of time.
"I don't think so that the team will be benefited in any way by playing four one-dayers in the West Indies. It's all wastage of time. It needs a better planning in future so that the issue of players' fatigue does not arise," the former all-rounder said.
India will play a four-match one-day series in the Caribbean, starting June 26.
Amarnath also backed Dhoni, who has been facing criticism from all quarters after India's pathetic show in England.
"Dhoni is a fantastic captain. He has given good results. Many a time his experiments have paid off and this time it was not the case. There is no need to question his leadership and tactics."
Amarnath did not react to Pakistan's World Cup win saying, "I do not want to comment on Pakistan cricket."
