Players already in IPL Mode, skipping Ranji Trophy. Amid Ishan Kishan’s mystery absence, notice to all players to represent state teams.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken decisive measures against players idling away time, waiting for the Indian Premier League (IPL) to begin. Seeking to enforce discipline, the BCCI, in collaboration with national selectors, has mandated the participation of players in state teams.
In an email sent on Monday, the directive applies to players not currently part of the national squad or undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Effective immediately, players are required to join their respective state teams for the upcoming round of Ranji Trophy matches starting on February 16.
This directive impacts players like Ishan Kishan, who have prioritized IPL preparations over competitive cricket, as recently reported by Cricbuzz. For instance, Ishan, training in Baroda, is set to play for his home state Jharkhand against Rajasthan in Jamshedpur.
However, this ruling isn’t limited to Ishan; it also extends to other players like Krunal Pandya and Deepak Chahar, who have been inactive in Ranji Trophy matches, and individuals like Shreyas Iyer, excluded from the national team due to poor form.
In recent weeks, substantial speculation has surrounded the inclusion of specific players in Team India’s squad, with particular focus on Ishan Kishan. Absent from play since November of the previous year, Ishan opted out of the South Africa tour midway through the following month, citing mental fatigue as the reported reason.
In the previous week, India head coach Rahul Dravid expressed visible frustration with persistent queries regarding Ishan Kishan’s absence. Dravid emphasized the necessity for the player to engage in some cricket before making a comeback to the national team. Just a few days later, a report disclosed that Ishan has resumed training in Baroda, alongside the Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal.
Curiously, the young wicketkeeper-batsman opted not to make himself available for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his confusion on Twitter earlier this week, and it appears the board has also taken notice.
As per a report by a prominent news source article, the BCCI is poised to issue a notice urging all players to participate in the Ranji Trophy unless they are “injured.” A source mentioned that the board disapproves of some players already being in “IPL mode.”
“In the coming days, the BCCI will instruct all players to participate in the Ranji Trophy for their state teams, except those on national duty. Exemptions will only be granted to players unfit and recovering at the NCA. The Board is displeased with certain players who have already shifted into IPL mode since January,” revealed the source to a prominent news channel.
In contrast to Ishan Kishan, Hardik is presently in the recovery phase following an injury sustained during a 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh. His return is anticipated in the Indian Premier League, where he is set to captain the Mumbai Indians.
Currently engaged in a five-match Test series against England, India is gearing up for their final assignment before the T20 World Cup in June. The board recently unveiled the squad for the remaining three Tests, wherein Virat Kohli remains absent due to personal reasons. Notably, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have rejoined the squad after recovering from their respective injuries during the second Test.
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