A crucial element of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcement on Thursday, regarding the squads for the six-match white ball series in Sri Lanka, was an unequivocal statement on player participation in domestic competitions. The release emphasized, “The BCCI will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season, 2024-25.” This statement, believed to resonate with the influence of Gautam Gambhir, underscores the BCCI’s intent to integrate international players into domestic matches starting next season.
The BCCI’s advocacy for the seriouness of domestic cricket by international players isn’t entirely new. Cases like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who faced repercussions for skipping Ranji Trophy matches last season, serve as precedents. However, with Gautam Gambhir taking the reins as head coach, this stance has evidently been fortified. In collaboration with the selectors, the BCCI will diligently monitor players, particularly during times when there are no international fixtures, ensuring their presence in domestic tournaments.
The upcoming domestic season, commencing on September 5 with a four-team Duleep Trophy competition, might witness the participation of international players, further bolstering the significance of domestic cricket. Gambhir’s appointment has already set a resolute tone. Recently, he remarked, “I’m a very strong believer in one thing, that if you’re good, you should be playing all the three formats. I’ve never been a big believer that injury management, you get injured, you go get recovered. As simple as it gets.”
“Injuries are part of a sportsman’s life. And if you’re playing all the three formats, you get injured, you go back, get recovered, but you should be playing all the three formats. I do not endorse the idea of earmarking players exclusively for certain formats. We should collectively manage injury and workload. Professional cricketers have a finite career span when they play for the country and should utilize every opportunity.
. When in good form, playing all three formats should be the goal,” remarked Gambhir to Star Sports.
During Thursday’s selection committee gathering, which Gambhir also attended, this philosophy was a focal point of discussion. Notably, it is speculated that Hardik Pandya’s T20I captaincy removal was attributed to his desire to skip the ODI leg of the Sri Lanka series. Both chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir emphasized the importance of player availability for all formats to Pandya. Those close to Pandya, however, suggest his wish to bypass the ODIs stemmed from personal reasons, with him announcing his separation from his wife later that evening.
The commitment of key figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play the ODIs in Sri Lanka aligns with Gambhir’s philosophy. The head coach’s insistence on comprehensive participation in international competitions prompted BCCI officials to discuss the matter with both stars. With only six ODIs remaining before the Champions Trophy – three against Sri Lanka next month and three more against England next year – it was crucial for senior players to participate. Although Rohit’s availability was anticipated, Kohli’s agreement seemed to emerge more recently.
Interestingly, there has been a development regarding Kohli and Gambhir’s professional rapport. Despite a history marked by on-field confrontations, particularly during IPL matches, Kohli has conveyed his comfort in working with Gambhir to BCCI officials. Following dialogues post the World Cup final in Barbados, Kohli, similarly a Delhi native like Gambhir, assured that their past issues would not impede their professional cooperation. Kohli has emphasized a shared commitment to the nation’s success, setting personal differences aside to focus on their collective goals.
The potential presence of international players in the domestic arena will not only raise the quality of competition but also provide budding cricketers with invaluable experience. This move aligns with Gambhir’s broader strategy to ensure that professional cricketers maximize their playing tenure by engaging in all formats of the game. While there may be nuances involved in the management of workloads and addressing personal needs, the underlying objective remains to cultivate a robust domestic cricket culture that complements India’s international aspirations.
As India gears up for the forthcoming domestic cricket season, the reinforcement of this philosophy under Gambhir’s leadership might herald a new era of cricket, where the synergy between domestic and international participation thrives.