The Indian team faces a tough defeat, ending a decade of dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as Australia wins the deciding Sydney Test by six wickets. This is the first time India has lost a BGT series to Australia since 2025. This is also the first time in 10 years that the Indian team has lost two consecutive series, earlier, to BGT, India lost to New Zealand by 3-0, losing the home series by this margin for the first time ever in Indian cricket history. After the series loss, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, came to answer the media’s questions. He has emphasised the importance of domestic cricket, saying that playing in domestic cricket can bring positive results for India on the international stage; it’s something every player should do.
Gautam Gambhir on domestic cricket
Gambhir believes that players should play domestic cricket as much as possible. It is the need right now.” I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. Not one if they are available and have commitments to play red ball cricket everyone should. If you don’t, you’ll never get desired results.” he said. It’s not like this is the first time any coach is said that, earlier, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid also emphasised the need of need to play domestic cricket in the past, saying that it is mandatory for players to prioritize domestic cricket over preparation for franchise leagues if they have time.
Gavaskar had the same advise for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is going through a bad phase in his career. The batter has only managed to score 31 runs in six innings, eventually stepping down from the last Test’s playing XI. After his current woes, India’s great Sunil Gavaskar has also advised Rohit Sharma to play Ranji Cricket to regain form. “Well, there are not much of four-day games that are available, but if there are some like the Ranji Trophy, if Mumbai do qualify for the knockout stages, he should be looking to play some matches,” Gavaskar said.
Virat hasn’t played any Ranji matches since 2012
Just like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli is also struggling with form currently. He has a test average of 7 in the first innings since 2024. Virat Kohli, due to the packed calendar, also hasn’t played any Ranji matches since 2012. Virat Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy match was in 2012 when he played against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.
Gautam Gambhir’s remarks might fuel the young players as well as the veteran players to spend some time play Ranji cricket at least. With Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma already retired from the T20Is, they might get some time to play domestic cricket to regain their form.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Predicting India squad for IND vs ENG T20Is: Doubts over Shami, Pandya; Samson-Tilak to continue at top
Top Stories
