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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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Daily Astro

24-03-2025

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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24-03-2025