In recent developments, two prominent Indian cricketers, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, have raised concerns for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite BCCI’s directives, Kishan didn’t play in any Ranji Trophy game this season, and now Iyer has made himself unavailable for Mumbai’s upcoming knockout fixtures.
Kishan’s absence from Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy games, despite reminders from coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, has been noted. Similarly, Iyer won’t be available for Mumbai’s quarter-final match against Baroda due to a reported back injury, as conveyed to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). However, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) revealed that Iyer was fit and had no fresh injuries, raising doubts about his claim.
This situation highlights concerns about the attitude of these cricketers towards red-ball cricket at the domestic level. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) looming, they may prioritize avoiding fatigue or injury to ensure their participation in the lucrative T20 league. Iyer, particularly, who missed the previous season due to injury, is set to lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024.
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Iyer’s exclusion from the Indian team for the last three Tests against England due to poor performance in red-ball cricket is notable. Despite facing discomfort in his lower back and groin during the second Test in Vizag, he was declared fit by BCCI medical staff. The selection committee advised him to play Ranji Trophy, which he ignored.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has expressed concern over the trend of players prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket. He emphasized the importance of domestic cricket as the foundation of Indian cricket, stating that performance in domestic tournaments is crucial for national team selection. Shah stressed that players aspiring to represent India must prove themselves in domestic cricket first.
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Shah’s comments reflect the board’s vision that domestic cricket is fundamental to the development of Indian cricket. He warned that non-participation in domestic cricket could have serious implications for a player’s career aspirations. The board expects all contracted cricketers to adhere to this vision and prioritize domestic cricket over other leagues.
The unavailability of key players like Kishan and Iyer for domestic cricket raises concerns about the growing preference for IPL over red-ball cricket. BCCI’s emphasis on the importance of domestic cricket highlights its significance in nurturing talent and selecting players for the national team. Players are urged to align with this vision and prioritize their participation in domestic tournaments to strengthen Indian cricket’s foundation.
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