Sham or genuine attempt? Why BCCI's move to send top India players to Ranji Trophy needs scrutiny

Following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, several top Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, have been asked to play in the Ranji Trophy. The players’ lack of contributions during the series put immense pressure on them, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to make it mandatory for centrally contracted players to compete in domestic cricket as a means of rediscovering form.

Token appearance or sincere effort?

However, it’s also important to assess the move’s effectiveness and its sincerity. Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant featured in just one game for their respective teams before opting out, citing unknown reasons. Virat Kohli is set to play his first Ranji Trophy game since 2012 , but it remains to be seen how much he will benefit from this solitary appearance in the tournament.

The timing of the BCCI’s decision has also sparked speculation. With the ODI series against England looming, the board or the players may want to opt out of the Ranji Trophy to focus on their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. But if workload management was the primary concern, why ask the players to participate in the Ranji Trophy in the first place? The fact that Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant failed to impress in their solitary Ranji Trophy appearances suggests that they haven’t regained their form.

While domestic cricket has often been an ideal platform for players to regain their touch, the question arises: is one game truly enough for these star players to get back in the groove? This situation also raises doubts about the purpose of their involvement in the Ranji Trophy. Is it a genuine effort to help them regain their form or merely an attempt by the BCCI and players to appease the fans and critics?

Lost opportunity for young domestic players?

The BCCI’s decision may also have inadvertently snatched an opportunity from young domestic players. These emerging talents had been performing well in the tournament, and some had even established themselves as regulars in their respective teams. However, with the sudden inclusion of high-profile players, some of these young cricketers may have lost their place in the team, denying them valuable game time and experience.