Ranji Trophy: Depleted teams enter round 3 amid national duties

With 46 top players representing India across the national team, India A, and the Emerging squad, the Ranji Trophy’s third round sees multiple state teams fielding heavily altered line-ups. While the main Indian team engages in a Test series against New Zealand, India A teams are playing in the Emerging Asia Cup in Oman and on a red-ball tour in Australia. This unusual situation presents challenges as well as opportunities for teams facing key absences.

Tamil Nadu strong start meets challenge

Leading Group D, Tamil Nadu is feeling the absence of key players, including captain R Sai Kishore, who is currently in Oman. Stand-in skipper Narayan Jagadeesan acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic, saying, “We can’t do much about it because you want your teammates to climb up as well… it is an opportunity for others to step in and fit into the culture.”

Tamil Nadu, who had a convincing win over Saurashtra, now faces Chhattisgarh without stalwarts B Sai Sudharsan, Baba Indrajith, and Washington Sundar, who are on India A duty.

Punjab’s ‘Challenging’ situation

Punjab, scheduled to play Uttar Pradesh, will compete without Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Ramandeep Singh, all away in the Emerging Asia Cup. “It is challenging. We had prepared for the season keeping these players in mind,” remarked coach Wasim Jaffer.

He adds, “At the same time, it gives an opportunity to other players… In crucial games, not having your best playing XI can affect your season.” This cautious balance between preparation and adaptation highlights the unpredictable nature of this season.

Bengal’s call to Young Players

Bengal, missing regulars Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep, will take on Kerala in Round 3. Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla sees the absence of main players as a valuable opportunity for rising talent. “When you play good cricket, you will miss key players on national duty,” Shukla said.

“But it is also an opportunity for the youngsters… to get a taste of Ranji Trophy and cement their place.” Bengal’s line-up now showcases younger players eager to make an impression at the senior level.

Delhi looks to fill gaps with Rising Stars

For Delhi, missing players Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Hrithik Shokeen, and Navdeep Saini, coach Sarandeep Singh maintains that replacements have shown “immense maturity” in their recent fixture against Tamil Nadu.

“These things are not in my hands… It is good for Delhi that four of our players are selected for the Emerging tournament,” Singh said, acknowledging the importance of both national exposure and domestic resilience.

BCCI balances Domestic and International Engagements

The concurrent scheduling of India A tours and domestic competitions has created a ripple effect for Ranji Trophy teams. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken steps to avoid overlaps, the need for overseas A tours has been unavoidable, according to National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman.

The growing emphasis on development tours allows young players to gain international experience but leaves domestic squads navigating the absence of their most experienced talents.

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Key Teams Missing Core Players

• Tamil Nadu vs Chhattisgarh: R Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, B Sai Sudharsan, Baba Indrajith
• Bengal vs Kerala: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep
• Punjab vs Uttar Pradesh: Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Ramandeep Singh
• Delhi vs Assam: Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Hrithik Shokeen, Navdeep Saini