A lesson learnt

A discernible smirk adorned the faces of reporters at the post-match press conference last Monday when skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a stern message for players wanting to make it to the national Test team without putting in the hard yards, adding that opportunities will only be given to those who show ‘hunger for success' in this format.

"Jin logon ko bhookh hai, hum unhi logon ko mauka denge (We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry). Agar hunger nahi hai to unko khila ke koi matlab nahi hai (There's no point in engaging with those who lack the drive)," he said. His remarks intensified the spotlight on Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, both of whom have featured in India's Test squads recently but have skipped Ranji Trophy since being dropped.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians, a cricketing tour de force

In an exclusive chat with Mid-Day, former India ODI batsman and founder of KheloMore Jatin Paranjape echoed Sharma's sentiments about the team management's refusal to entertain players with no burning desire to perform.

"Leadership is important and Rohit, just a couple of days ago, made it clear that India values Test cricket. I always say that ‘Test Cricket will give you the reputation, IPL will give you the Moolah'. The BCCI is managing the prioritisation of Test cricket very well, I must say. The BCCI has a fantastic model of domestic cricket, and I feel this model is growing stronger (sic)," said Paranjape.

"You might not see top players playing too many domestic matches and this is more due to their busy international schedule rather than any disinterest on their parts. But some guardrails need to be drawn with repeat offenders who keep their bodies fresh only for the IPL. There should be zero tolerance towards this (sic)."

Ask any former cricketer, first-class serves as the bedrock of one's journey, providing a crucible for talent refinement, skill enhancement, and the cultivation of a robust cricketing ethos. It is within the crucible of domestic cricket that aspiring players hone their craft, familiarise themselves with different formats, and develop the mental resilience required for the rigours of international competition. In recent times, however, there has been a growing trend among some, who, buoyed by their international success, have opted to bypass domestic commitments, leading to concerns about the potential ramifications for the broader health of Indian cricket.

Also Read: English ‘baz'bowled'

It is no secret that domestic cricket, once the epitome of excellence among players, is grappling with a discernible diminution of its sheen. The migration of players towards the instant gratification of the IPL and the changing tastes of modern spectators collectively contribute to the erosion of its charm.

The challenge lies in its revitalisation, ensuring that it continues to hold its rightful place in India's cricketing pantheon, revered for its strategic battles, enduring contests, and timeless appeal.

Recognising the critical role of domestic cricket in the holistic development of cricketers, the BCCI has, therefore, taken a resolute stance against those found guilty of abandoning their domestic responsibilities.

"There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern. Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket, a shift that was not anticipated. Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset - every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications," read BCCI secretary Jay Shah's letter to top cricketers earlier this month.

Shah did not break his promise. Taking everyone by surprise, the board on Wednesday announced that Iyer and Kishan were ‘not considered' for the annual contracts in this round. The move evoked mixed reactions with some former players like Kirti Azad and Irfan Pathan backing the out-of-favour duo.

Others questioned why the stern measures were not applicable for Hardik Pandya, who remained in the A+ category despite not featuring in Ranji Trophy matches. "They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger. If players like Hardik don't want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren't on national duty? If this doesn't apply to all, then Indian cricket won't achieve the desired results!," India's veteran pacer Pathan wrote on X.

Regardless of what the future holds for Kishan-Iyer, the proactive measures instituted by the board do mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of Indian cricket. As the policies become more ingrained in India's culture, the board appears to envision a future where players inherently recognise the symbiotic relationship between their success on the international stage as well as the nurturing grounds of domestic cricket.