Aakash Chopra, the former India opener, stresses the significance of first-class cricket and urges Indian selectors to avoid choosing players neglecting the Ranji Trophy. Chopra's comments respond to the trend of some young Indian players bypassing the Ranji Trophy, relying solely on IPL performances for national team consideration.
Image - Aakash Chopra - Credit - WikiPedia
Chopra applauds the commitment of experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, emphasizing their active participation in the domestic circuit despite being dropped from the Test team. Notably, Pujara, Rahane, and Umesh Yadav, sidelined after the World Test Championship final loss to Australia in June last year, continue to vie for national team recall by competing in the Ranji Trophy. Chopra disapproves of the growing trend where young players prioritize IPL success over participating in crucial domestic tournaments, contrasting it with the enduring dedication of seasoned players.
Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated the participation of all cricketers not currently in the national team in the upcoming premier domestic tournament. This directive follows revelations that Ishan Kishan, despite being available, has not been representing Jharkhand in the absence of national duties. The 25-year-old cricketer withdrew from the South Africa tour in November 2023, citing mental fatigue, and hasn't played for his state team since. This absence has raised concerns, with former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan expressing bewilderment.
Irfan Pathan stresses the importance of first-class cricket for national team selection and urges the BCCI to enforce participation in domestic tournaments. He anticipates a clear directive from the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, indicating that players will only be considered for national selection if actively involved in first-class cricket.
Pathan emphasizes, "If first-class cricket is ongoing, and if you are fit and not part of the Indian team, go and play. A strong message needs to be conveyed that you will only be considered when actively participating. If someone thinks they can rely solely on IPL performances, the selection committee, under Ajit Agarkar's leadership, should firmly establish that this approach will not be accepted. If such guidelines are being enforced, it should be done consistently."
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