Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Can They Return to Ranji Trophy After 12 and 9 Years?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: The upcoming Ranji Trophy season has sparked discussions among cricket fans about whether Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will make a comeback to domestic cricket after long absences. Their participation could significantly impact the tournament and inspire upcoming players.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Ranji Trophy Journey

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's top cricket stars, have been away from the Ranji Trophy for several years. Kohli last played a domestic red-ball match in 2012, while Sharma's last appearance was in 2015. Their absence has raised questions about the future of domestic cricket and the involvement of international players.

Pressure from Coach Gautam Gambhir

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has been under pressure to encourage Kohli and Sharma to participate in the Ranji Trophy. When asked about their potential return, Gambhir stated, "It depends on them." However, he emphasized the importance of domestic players taking the Ranji Trophy seriously and balancing their commitments to international cricket.

Importance of Domestic Cricket for Indian Cricket

Domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy, is the backbone of Indian cricket. It helps in nurturing young talent and maintaining the high standards of the national team. The absence of star players like Kohli and Sharma from domestic tournaments can affect the performance and development of upcoming cricketers.

Performance of Kohli and Sharma in Recent Tournaments

In recent performances at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Kohli scored 190 runs in five Test matches with an average of 23.75, while Sharma struggled, scoring only 31 runs in three matches with an average of 6.20. These performances have added to the speculation about their participation in the Ranji Trophy.

Veteran Cricketers Advocate for Domestic Participation

Cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar have urged regular national players to represent their states in the Ranji Trophy. Gavaskar highlighted the importance of playing the longest format of the game at the domestic level to maintain form and contribute to the team's success.

BCCI's Stance on Domestic Cricket Participation

Last August, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah warned Indian players that prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket could lead to severe consequences, including loss of central contracts. Players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan faced repercussions for neglecting domestic commitments, emphasizing the importance of balancing both arenas.

Call for Cultural Change in Indian Cricket

Former players like Irfan Pathan and Sachin Tendulkar have called for a cultural shift in Indian cricket. Pathan suggested that a change in mindset is necessary to prioritize domestic cricket, while Tendulkar shared his own experiences of playing Ranji Trophy matches to spend more time on the pitch.

Potential Impact on India's Test Team

The lack of participation from key players in domestic cricket may affect the performance of India's Test team. Regular exposure to red-ball cricket at the domestic level is crucial for maintaining the skills required for international success. Without it, the national team's performance could suffer in long-format matches.