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WHY DOMESTIC CRICKET HOLDS THE KEY TO REVIVING TEAM INDIA’S TEST FORTUNES

“Practice maketh a man,” the saying goes. But if we’re being honest, it should really be, “The ‘right’ practice maketh a man.” And isn’t that sentiment tailor-made for the current situation in Indian cricket?

Right now, Team India’s top stars are being nudged—well, more like firmly instructed—by the BCCI to return to domestic cricket. After all, the Ranji Trophy and other firstclass tournaments are the true breeding grounds for the future. They’re where budding talents are sharpened, and cracks in technique are smoothened out. Yet, for years, this wisdom seemed to fall on deaf ears.

But the BCCI has made a decisive move: top international stars must now return to domestic cricket to rediscover their rhythm. A series of disappointing losses— first the shock defeat to New Zealand at home and then the humbling in the BorderGavaskar Trophy in Australia—seems to have jolted the system. Perhaps the way back to form and confidence might just lie in the gritty arenas of Ranji cricket, not the grand international stage. It’s here, amidst turning tracks and hungry opponents, that they’ll truly rediscover their edge.

In that context, the Ranji Trophy, the country’s premier domestic tournament, has suddenly become the focus. After the BCCI’s mandate, fans eagerly anticipated the return of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to the Ranji fold. However, reality hit hard. Day 1 of their return was underwhelming. Barring Ravindra Jadeja, the big names faltered. Collectively, Rohit, Gill, Pant, and Jaiswal managed just 12 runs in their respective first innings.

This dismal performance raises a question: Are India’s cricketing elites genuinely committed to domestic cricket, or are they merely ticking a box under BCCI’s directives?

Domestic cricket isn’t just a tournament, it’s a proving ground where players face the grind of multi-day cricket. Former players like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar understood this better than anyone. Deepak Jain, a former Ranji player and General Manager (Sports) at BPCL, recalls seeing Gavaskar never miss a Ranji game, no matter how packed his international calendar. Similarly, Tendulkar once landed from an overseas tour at 2 a.m. and played a benefit match the next morning. These legends prioritized domestic cricket, not because they were obligated to, but because they knew its value.

Contrast this with today’s stars, who often skip domestic tournaments, citing fatigue or tight schedules. While modern cricket’s relentless calendar is undoubtedly gruelling, the absence of domestic cricket from a player’s routine weakens their game’s foundation. It’s in these tournaments that players face challenges they rarely encounter on the flatter international pitches—turning tracks, unpredictable bounce, and bowlers desperate to prove a point.

Rohit Sharma’s recent comments highlight the dilemma. While he acknowledged the importance of playing domestic cricket, he also emphasized the need for rest and recovery, given the packed international schedule. Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, has been vocal about the need for players to prove their commitment to Test cricket by excelling in domestic matches. He believes that the road to Test success begins in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.

Even for the cricket fans, domestic tournaments offer a rare chance to see their heroes up close. The excitement of watching a Rohit Sharma or a Shubman Gill play on a smaller stage fuels local enthusiasm and inspires the next generation of cricketers. But when these stars fail to deliver, as they did recently, it dampens the spirit of both fans and the game itself. The Ranji Trophy is the heart of Indian cricket. It’s where legends like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman built their reputations, where they honed their craft before dazzling on the international stage.

That is precisely why the BCCI’s mandate for players to participate in domestic cricket is a step in the right direction. While it may seem like an enforced rule, it serves a larger purpose to restore the sanctity of first-class cricket and to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. The players need to embrace this with the right mindset, rather than just going through the motions in the domestic circuit.

Indian cricket’s future lies in its ability to strike a balance between international commitments and the domestic grind. Players must embrace the grind, not just for themselves but for the larger ecosystem of Indian cricket. As fans, we must also recognize and celebrate the importance of domestic cricket.

The next time Rohit Sharma walks out to bat in a Ranji match or Ravindra Jadeja picks up a fivewicket haul in a first-class game, let’s remember- It’s not just a game but a rehearsal for greatness. And as history has shown, greatness is born in the humblest of arenas!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry

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Adventure is calling! Embrace new opportunities, but keep a balanced approach to risks.

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Scorpio

Your determination will be unmatched. Dive deep into tasks, but don't forget to take breaks to recharge.

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Libra

Harmony in relationships is your priority. Compromise and understanding will strengthen your bonds.

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Virgo

Focus on organization and details. A well-planned day will lead to productive results and personal satisfaction.

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Leo

Leadership will come naturally. Take charge of situations but remain humble for the best outcomes.

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Cancer

Emotional balance is key today. Spend quality time with loved ones to find comfort and clarity.

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Gemini

Today is perfect for networking and sharing ideas. Your adaptability will help you tackle unexpected changes with ease.

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Taurus

Patience will be your strength today. Financial matters might need attention, so think twice before making big decisions.

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Aries

Today brings opportunities for growth, but you'll need to stay focused. Trust your instincts to navigate challenges.

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Pisces

Your intuition will guide you. Trust your feelings and explore creative outlets for peace of mind.

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Aquarius

Innovation is your theme today. Explore unconventional ideas to solve lingering problems.

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Capricorn

Hard work pays off today. Your dedication and discipline will lead to well-deserved recognition.

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Sagittarius

Adventure is calling! Embrace new opportunities, but keep a balanced approach to risks.

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Scorpio

Your determination will be unmatched. Dive deep into tasks, but don't forget to take breaks to recharge.