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The cricketing landscape in India has been buzzing with discussions surrounding the absence of some prominent players from the domestic circuit, particularly in the Ranji Trophy Tournament 2023-24. The recent indirect criticism of the same from veteran cricketers like Manoj Tiwary and Irfan Pathan has stirred the debate further, raising questions about the commitment of certain players towards state-level competitions.
Rahul Dravid’s plea to Ishan Kishan: The backstory behind controversy
The controversy reached its pinnacle when reports surfaced about India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, urging wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to participate in the Ranji Trophy to secure his spot in the national team. Despite this plea, Kishan opted to train with Hardik Pandya and Krunal in Baroda for the upcoming IP 2024, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts disillusioned.
Arrogance or commitment issues? Criticism towards select players
The issue is not limited to Kishan alone as players like Shreyas Iyer, Krunal, and Deepak Chahar have also faced criticism for their sporadic participation in domestic tournaments. This prompted discussions on whether some players, driven by arrogance, IPL or other factors, are willingly sidelining state-level competitions, prompting a call-out directed towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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BCCI’s decisive move: Strict mandate for Ranji Trophy participation
Amidst the growing discontent among fans and cricketing pundits, the BCCI has reportedly taken a decisive step to address the situation. According to a recent report by Cricbuzz, the cricket board has issued a strict mandate, applicable to all players, regardless of their national team status or ongoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Starting from the upcoming round of Ranji Trophy scheduled to commence on February 16, the mandate requires players to represent their respective state teams. The move aims to instill discipline among athletes and reinforce the importance of commitment to domestic tournaments, a crucial aspect in grooming and identifying talent for the national squad.
While the cricketing community awaits an official press release from the BCCI regarding this mandate, the move is expected to have a significant impact on the players’ approach towards state-level competitions. It not only sends a clear message about the importance of grassroots cricket but also emphasizes the role of domestic tournaments in shaping and maintaining a player’s career.
