Kirti Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, recently supported the BCCI’s decision for cricketers to participate in the Ranji Trophy. He thinks it’s a good idea and believes it should apply to all Indian players, even stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who didn’t follow the directive to play in the Ranji Trophy, lost their central contracts.
Azad believes this move is positive. He thinks everyone, including famous players, should play in the Ranji Trophy. He feels that although the IPL is fun, real cricket happens in longer matches. Playing domestic cricket helps players stay connected to the game.
He thinks it’s unfair to only penalize Ishan and Iyer. He believes everyone should face the same consequences. Azad didn’t comment on whether this decision marks the end for Ishan and Iyer.
Azad wonders if young players are playing enough domestic cricket. He remembers when senior players like Bishan Singh Bedi and Sunil Gavaskar played alongside him and others in domestic matches, showing pride in their states. Kirti Azad thinks today’s youngsters lack this spirit.
He questions why Indian players hesitate to play domestic cricket while English cricketers willingly play county cricket when not selected for the national team. He suggests that Indian players should follow this example.
Azad praises players like Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan for balancing T20 cricket with playing in the Ranji Trophy. He believes that regular participation in domestic cricket helps bowlers improve their skills.
In conclusion, Azad believes that playing in the Ranji Trophy is essential for all Indian cricketers, not just for the development of their skills but also for showing respect to the state that nurtured them