The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been highlighting the significance of Ranji Trophy participation for specific individuals in recent talks about Indian cricket. But even in the middle of this drive, Hardik Pandya continues to be excused, raising concerns about the rationale behind it.
Ranji Trophy participation requirements came to light after the Ishan Kishan affair, in which the wicketkeeper-batter chose to focus on his own training rather than playing for his state side, Jharkhand. The BCCI wants to make sure that players like Deepak Chahar, Krunal Pandya, and Ishan give red-ball cricket top priority. Hardik Pandya, however, sticks out because he keeps up his personal workout schedule.
Hardik Pandya does not need to win the Ranji Trophy
In response to questions about this exception, a BCCI source discussed Hardik’s injury history and the physical demands of red-ball cricket with the Times of India. Since Hardik Pandya’s body is unable to withstand the demands of red-ball cricket, we can understand his situation. Team India wants him fit for ICC events because he can’t handle the workload of Test cricket,” the person said, outlining the reason for this.
Hardik Pandya last played for India in a Test match in 2018, while the team was touring England. In that same year, he made his final Ranji Trophy appearance, taking seven wickets and amassing 73 runs in a match against Mumbai.
It is noteworthy that the BCCI is irritated with players who prefer the Indian Premier League (IPL) to red-ball cricket. There are plans to play in three or four Ranji Trophy matches in order to qualify for the Indian Premier League. When you call some of the other kids, they’ll say they’re working as physiotherapists right now. Somewhere has to be the halt,” said a BCCI representative.
The insider went on, “The BCCI decision-makers are well aware that some players don’t want to play any red-ball cricket.”
While acknowledging that some players prefer T20 cricket to the longer format, the BCCI is nonetheless keeping an eye out to ensure that the prominence of the Indian Premier League does not eclipse the importance of local competitions such as the Ranji Trophy. Even though the IPL has helped a number of cricketers break into the national squad, the BCCI wants to keep red-ball cricket alive.
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