Loyalty to Indian Cricket is Non-Negotiable

Newzdaddy Cricket Updates

Cricket enthusiasts were abuzz recently as India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, emphasized the importance of ‘hunger’ for success in Test cricket. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on the matter, sparking discussions on player commitment and loyalty to the longer format of the game.

Rohit Sharma’s ‘Hunger’ Statement

In the aftermath of India’s victory over England in the fourth Test, Rohit Sharma highlighted the significance of ‘hunger’ for young cricketers aspiring to play Test cricket. The skipper’s comments on Rohit Sharma’s “jinko bhookh nahi hai” hinted at a criterion for selection based on the players’ desire and dedication to excel in the challenging format.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s Decision

Two centrally contracted Indian cricketers, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, made headlines for opting out of the Ranji Trophy despite directives from the team management and the BCCI. Ishan Kishan, choosing the DY Patil T20 cup instead, raised questions about his commitment to the traditional format.

Gavaskar Supports Rohit’s Assessment

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar endorsed Rohit Sharma’s perspective, emphasizing the players’ indebtedness to Indian cricket for their fame, money, and recognition. Gavaskar applauded the focus on players demonstrating loyalty to the game and suggested it would be beneficial for Indian cricket in the long run.

Gavaskar, without explicitly naming Kishan and Iyer, hinted that players skipping the Ranji Trophy may have decided against pursuing Test cricket for India. He speculated on their lack of hunger and ability, particularly in the longer format with red balls.

While supporting Rohit’s stance, Gavaskar proposed a solution to attract more young cricketers to red-ball cricket. He urged the BCCI to reschedule the Ranji Trophy, suggesting a start in October and a conclusion in December to avoid clashes with Test cricket and IPL preparations.

However, the proposed scheduling adjustment faces challenges as India’s domestic season traditionally kicks off with white-ball tournaments, providing a platform for players and franchise scouts before the IPL auction. Gavaskar’s recommendation seeks to strike a balance between T20 leagues and the longer format.

Impact on Player Readiness

Gavaskar highlighted the potential benefits of preponing the Ranji Trophy, emphasizing that it would offer much-needed match practice to players serious about Test cricket. With India’s bilateral series taking place between December and March, an early Ranji season could enhance player preparedness.

Acknowledging the current trend of starting the domestic season with white-ball tournaments, Gavaskar suggested a strategic approach. Holding the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s after the Ranji Trophy could provide balance, offering players match practice and IPL readiness.