Stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma competed in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year, representing Delhi and Mumbai, respectively. Unless they are injured, serving their country, or have been given an exemption, contracted players are now required to play in domestic matches by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced on Tuesday, December 2, that Kohli would participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rohit is anticipated to participate in the 50-over competition as well.
Current chief selector Ajit Agarkar has been cautioned by former BCCI head selector MSK Prasad not to compel cricketing greats like Rohit and Kohli to play domestic cricket.
The former batsman-wicketkeeper emphasised that the Ro-Ko pair is outperforming the team’s younger players. He claimed that he never put any pressure on MS Dhoni to play in domestic matches while serving as head selector.
“The first thing to make sure of is that you shouldn’t be tampering with the thoughts of such influential people. Prasad told the Times of India, “They are the ones who are performing, not the younger lot.”
In order to motivate the younger players in the state teams, it would be great if they played domestic cricket while they weren’t on national duty. However, one should use caution to avoid bringing up the subject constantly. We never discussed playing domestic cricket with Dhoni. Whenever he felt the need, he played. Up front, there should be unambiguous communication. Otherwise, follow the “perform or perish” rule. There shouldn’t be any room for doubt,” he continued.
Lately, Rohit has been in excellent form. In the October match against Australia, he scored the most runs and was named Player of the Series. In the meantime, Kohli concluded the season with an undefeated half-century despite recording ducks in the first two ODIs against the Australians.
On Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi, Kohli scored 135 runs off of just 120 balls in the first ODI against South Africa. Rohit, however, scored 57 runs off of 51 deliveries.
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