The cricket schedule has gotten so jam-packed that most Indian cricketers don’t get the chance to play in domestic cricket. Gone are the times when you could have gotten a glimpse of Sachin Tendulkar playing Javagal Srinath or Harbhajan Singh in the Ranji Trophy. Some criticise Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma for skipping domestic tournaments, but in the last decade, they rarely have gotten the time or opportunity to ply their trade with the best players in India.
Jam-packed schedule and need for need
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly understands that top Indian stars don’t get time to play for their states in domestic cricket. They rest and recover as well. Apart from international cricket, now players also play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy didn’t exist before the 2006-07 season either.
For players who feature in all the formats, it’s tough to handle the physical and mental toll. That’s why the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) often rests youngsters like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal from T20I series like the one going on against England.
“When you get time, you must play domestic cricket. When you get a break, you have to play. Nowadays cricketers play lots of games; they travel a lot. Most of the time they don’t get time,” Ganguly told Sports Tak.
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Ganguly wants Rohit Sharma, Kohli & Bumrah to play in the Ranji Trophy
After a long break, many stars made their returns. For Rohit Sharma, it was around 9 years since he played for Mumbai. For Kohli, it was over 12 years. Both didn’t do well, but it was the effort that counted. They left a mark on players, on their side, and those who were against them on the field.
Ganguly wants Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli to play in the Ranji Trophy. But only when they have the time. In Bumrah’s case, his fitness is paramount. He has singlehandedly won Team India matches and therefore must be given full control of when he wants to play or not. In the batters’ case, they aren’t young anymore, but given their form, it’s not a shock they must prove themselves in red-ball cricket.
But when you get time, you should play Ranji Trophy matches. In the Ranji Trophy, lots of youngsters play, so they will get motivated if greats like Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma play domestic cricket,” Ganguly added.
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