File photo of Ishan Kishan
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly unhappy with certain players’ reluctance to play in the Ranji Trophy. While the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been working hard to fore a comeback into the Indian team, with ther former even scoring a few tons in the process, there are certain players who aren’t playing First Class cricket despite being made to sit out. The board, understandably, isn’t pleased with those giving the Ranji Trophy a miss and is reportedly looking to communicate the same to the players.
As per a report in the Times of Indiathe BCCI is looking to tell the players to play for their state teams in the Ranji Trophy if they are fit. Those unfit need to head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to work on their rehab.
“In the next few days, all the players will be communicated by the BCCI to play for their state team in the Ranji Trophy, as long as they are not on national duty, with only those who are unfit and recovering at the NCA being granted an exemption. The Board isn’t too happy with certain players already in IPL mode from January,” TOI quoted a source as saying.
Most recently, wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan is one player who has courted plenty of criticism for his decision to not play Ranji Trophy. Ishan sought a break for his mental wellbeing during India’s tour of South Africa and has since not returned to the national setup. He was spotted training with his Indian Premier League captain Hardik Pandya but continued to give the Ranji Trophy a miss despite head coach Rahul Dravid‘s insistence ‘to play some cricket’.
The BCCI is said to be unhappy to see some players being in ‘IPL mode’ since January despite an ongoing Test series against England.
In the absence of Ishan, the likes of KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel have been competing for the spot behind the stumps.
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