In Indian cricket, big names like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Gautam Gambhir have been stressing how vital it is for top players to compete in the Ranji Trophy. Specifically, Gambhir has called on struggling stars, such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to use this format to find their rhythm again after a challenging series in Australia.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to practice with the Mumbai Ranji team has caught a lot of attention. Recently, while announcing India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he confirmed that he will play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir starting on January 23.
When asked about this during a press conference, Rohit simply said, “Yes, I will.” However, he also pointed out that a busy international schedule makes it tough for players to participate in domestic leagues consistently. He shared his perspective:
“If you look at the cricket calendar, there hasn’t been a time where we get to sit at home for 45 days. The domestic season kicks off around October and wraps up by February or March, which coincides with a lot of international games for India.” He explained, further noting that players need breaks to recharge mentally and physically after long seasons.
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, also backed this view, saying it’s important for players to engage in domestic cricket whenever they can. “While some players juggle multiple formats and may find it difficult to participate, it’s crucial for those who can play to do so,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is on the Delhi squad for the Ranji Trophy, but Virat Kohli won’t be playing due to a neck injury he picked up during the recent Test series in Australia. Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy match way back in 2012.
Other young talents, like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, are expected to shine in their respective state teams too. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also set to join the fray, expected to play for Saurashtra against Delhi.
As the excitement builds for the Ranji Trophy, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these players perform and if they can reclaim their form leading into future international matches.
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Virat Kohli,Rohit Sharma,Rishabh Pant,Ravindra Jadeja,Ranji Trophy,Gautam Gambhir,Ajit Agarkar
