BCCI wants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and other seniors to play Ranji from January 23

The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India has asked the senior players to participate in the first game of the second phase of the Ranji Trophy. Everyone's eyes are looking forward to seeing those senior players who have not participated in domestic cricket for several years, which also include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Now, all that is left to be seen is whether these players show up in this domestic tournament, starting on January 23. It is known that head coach Gautam Gambhir had also clearly said after the shameful defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that all players should play domestic red-ball cricket during the international break.

In fact, The Hindu has said in one of its reports quoting a BCCI source that playing the Ranji Trophy has not been made mandatory, but the players have been informed about it. The source has also said that if the players do not want to play, then the decision on the future strategy will be left to the selectors. The BCCI source said this has not been made mandatory, but all cricketers, even fringe players, have been asked to play in the Ranji Trophy. If they do not do so, the selectors will have to take appropriate action.

The BCCI had clearly stated in early 2024 that playing domestic cricket is necessary to make a place in Team India. At the same time, Kohli, Virat, Pant, KL Rahul, and other senior players quit domestic cricket citing international commitments and the need for rest. After India's humiliating 1-3 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the demand for playing domestic cricket has once again started gaining momentum. When the flaws of the batsmen were exposed during India vs Australia Test series, head coach Gambhir said that every player should play domestic cricket to get the desired result and get better.

Gautam Gambhir had said that I would always want everyone to play domestic cricket. Domestic cricket should be given so much importance. Not just a game. Everyone should play domestic cricket if they are available and commit to play red ball cricket. It's as simple as it gets. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the player you want.

Virat Kohli has not played Ranji Trophy for 13 years, while Rohit Sharma also last played domestic cricket 9 years ago. Similarly, it has been 9 years since KL Rahul played Ranji. While Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant also last played Ranji cricket six years ago.