The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for Test specialists. While star cricketers are encouraged to participate in domestic engagements during their free time, there are exceptions for a select few, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
BCCI to prioritize domestic cricket
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when they are not on national duty. This move aims to maintain player form and competitive edge by ensuring consistent participation in domestic tournaments. But exceptions will be made for the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
BCCI intends for all other Test specialists to play at least one (if not a couple) of Duleep Trophy games in August. These matches will serve as a precursor to the upcoming Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Unlike previous years, where zonal selection committees were involved, only the national selection committee will pick Duleep teams this time. All Test team contenders will be considered for selection.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to lead India in the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka. However, Pandya will take a break during the subsequent three-match ODI series in August for personal reasons.
The BCCI wants star cricketers to make themselves available for domestic cricket.
– Exceptions will be made for Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/3acbn5DpU1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 16, 2024
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is, will also miss the ODIs, aligning with Pandya’s break. While Pandya’s deputy for the T20Is remains uncertain, the contenders are Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav. Gill recently captained India to a 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe, while Yadav led the side during the T20Is against South Africa last year.
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