Border-Gavaskar Trophy / Will Rohit-Virat play Ranji Trophy? Gambhir said- If you don't do this then...

Team India had to face a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the discussion about them playing Ranji Trophy intensified. Coach Gautam Gambhir said that all players should play domestic cricket. Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan also gave the same advice.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 05, 2025, 03:40 PM
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The Indian cricket team finally faced defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia after a long gap of 10 years. India lost this five-match series by a margin of 1-3. After this defeat, the anger of the fans has erupted on the team's key batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both the veterans failed to leave their mark on this tour.

Demand to play Ranji Trophy: Will Rohit and Virat return to domestic cricket?

After the disappointing performance in the series, there is a lot of discussion that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy to regain their lost form. It is worth noting that both the players have not participated in the Ranji Trophy for a long time.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also questioned on this issue during the press conference. Although Rohit and Virat were not named in the question, the hint was towards both. Gambhir said in his reply, "I always want all the players to play domestic cricket if they are available. If you are committed to playing red ball cricket, then you should participate in domestic tournaments. If you do not do so, you will not get the desired results.

Will Rohit and Virat retire? Gambhir's answer

During the press conference, Gambhir was also asked about the future and retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. On this, he clarified that he cannot comment on the career of any player. He said, "It depends on them. They still have hunger and commitment. Hopefully they will do everything possible to take Indian cricket forward."

Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan advised to play Ranji Trophy

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar also advised Indian players to play in Ranji Trophy. Talking on Star Sports after the Sydney Test, he said that the next round of Ranji Trophy is starting from January 23. It has to be seen whether the players who do not play in the ODI and T20 series against England, participate in domestic cricket or not. He clearly said, "No excuse will be accepted, you have to play Ranji Trophy."

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan also strictly instructed Virat Kohli to play domestic cricket. He said, "When did Virat play Ranji Trophy?" To this, cricket anchor Jatin Sapru replied that probably in 2012. Pathan then said, "How long has it been! The great Sachin Tendulkar did not need it, yet he played domestic cricket. He played domestic matches till the end of his career. Virat's average in the last five years has not even been 30. Does the Indian team expect this from its senior player? It would be better if a new player is given a chance continuously and he is prepared."

Will he return to form through domestic cricket?

Domestic tournaments have always been important in Indian cricket. Many legendary players have been playing in tournaments like Ranji Trophy to regain their form. In the last few years, Indian players have participated less in domestic cricket due to foreign leagues and international schedules.

Rohit and Virat playing in the Ranji Trophy can not only be important for their form, but it will also inspire young players. It has been seen many times in the history of Indian cricket that domestic cricket has helped players make a comeback at the international level.

Conclusion

This defeat against Australia has exposed many weaknesses of the Indian team. Especially the performance of the senior players of the team has been questioned. In such a situation, the importance of domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy increases even more. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play domestic cricket, not only will their form improve, but it will also be a positive message for Indian cricket. Now it remains to be seen whether both the veterans take time out from their busy schedules and participate in the Ranji Trophy or not.