Ranji Trophy Needs Its Stars
The Ranji Trophy begins on 11 October, and a number of India’s key players will be in action in the opening round of matches. I am particularly looking forward to watching Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar bowl for Bengal, and that augurs well for Indian cricket.
One of the key changes in Indian cricket following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss in 2024-25 has been this: national team players, including the stars, are once again part of the domestic calendar. It was a tough decision to implement, but the BCCI has done a good job of enforcing the rule, and this is one area where Indian cricket is doing much better than what we are seeing in Australia and England.
There is little doubt that when star players turn out for their domestic sides, interest levels rise. People will flock to watch Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill, and their presence adds glamour to the Ranji Trophy. More importantly, it keeps the competition relevant.
For the players, too, the message is clear. Everyone knows the importance of the competition and will be expected to give their absolute best. A youngster facing Mohammed Shami or Mukesh Kumar knows he is up against top-class opposition. A strong Ranji Trophy performance, against or alongside such players, can also attract the attention of the national selectors.
A cursory glance at England and Australia shows that the standard and relevance of domestic cricket have become an issue. There are continuous murmurs that the best players do not always turn up for domestic cricket, and as a result, the standard and intensity of the competition can suffer. Players picked from the domestic circuit are not always ready for international cricket, and one reason is the lack of exposure to the best talent available.
The fact that Australia are currently a less formidable Test side can, in part, be linked to these concerns. This is where the BCCI’s approach deserves credit. Much was said when the idea was first mooted in January 2025, but to see it through with sincerity and commitment is important.
With the next selection round for New Zealand around the corner, I am sure the selectors will have an eye on what is happening in Kalyani. The return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the national fold is an indication that age is no longer the only consideration for selectors. With India’s bowling continuing to be a cause for concern, both Mukesh and Shami should have their eyes on a call-up for the red-ball leg in New Zealand.
Mukesh is already part of the India A set-up, and a good start to the domestic season could put him back in contention for the all-important Test series, not to mention the five 50-over matches that follow.
In sum, bringing the best players back into the Ranji Trophy is a very good call by the BCCI. It has not only made the competition more relevant and competitive, but has also sent the right signal to players across the domestic game. Each one now knows that a good Ranji Trophy performance can open the door to the international arena, and there can be no better outcome for Indian cricket.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz
The post Ranji Trophy Needs Its Stars appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
Comments
Post a Comment