Presence Of Virat-Rohit A Huge Boost For Young Players”: Piyush Chawla On Indian Stalwarts Playing Ranji Trophy Matches

February 3, 2025: Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of domestic cricket and India’s chances in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking at an event organized by Harfun, Chawla highlighted the significance of the Ranji Trophy, especially with the return of senior Indian players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are offering valuable experience and learning opportunities to young cricketers.

Chawla emphasized that playing in the Ranji Trophy is vital for the development of upcoming talent, as it exposes players to different types of pitches, varied bowlers, and challenging conditions. He praised the BCCI’s decision to make it mandatory for international stars to play domestic cricket, which has brought a fresh competitive edge to the tournament.

“Ranji is very important. You play on different pitches, different types of grounds, and face different kinds of bowlers. Recently, we have seen players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participating, which is a huge learning opportunity for young players. Getting to play alongside these legends helps them develop their game in a big way,” Chawla said.

The return of international stars to the domestic scene has certainly raised the profile of the Ranji Trophy, but the performances of senior players have been a mixed bag. Both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced challenges in their early innings against Jammu & Kashmir, with Rohit scoring only 3 in his first innings, and Jaiswal managing just 26 in his second outing. In contrast, Virat Kohli, who had not played in Delhi since 2012, was dismissed for a mere 6 in his first innings back, leaving fans disappointed after his sublime straight drive earlier in the match.

Chawla also mentioned the struggles faced by Kohli in recent years. He pointed out that since 2020, Kohli has had a tough time, with just three centuries and nine fifties across 39 Tests. In 2024, Kohli finished the year with a poor average of 21.83, further highlighting the challenges the former captain has faced.

Looking ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Chawla expressed optimism about India’s prospects, stating that the team has a strong, balanced squad. However, he also emphasized that tournaments like the Champions Trophy are won based on how a team performs on the day of the match, especially in knockout stages.

“The Champions Trophy is all about how you play your cricket on that particular day. The team looks very good and balanced. We are obviously expecting to finish in the top four, but after that, it’s all about the knockouts,” Chawla remarked.

India’s squad for the Champions Trophy is filled with seasoned stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside talented youngsters such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh. One of the most anticipated matches will be India’s clash against Pakistan on February 23, which could prove crucial for both teams in the race to qualify for the knockout stages.

Additionally, Chawla shared his thoughts on Harfun, a brand known for its innovative workwear that combines style and comfort. He highlighted the importance of comfort in professional clothing, particularly for long workdays or flights, and praised Harfun’s focus on creating lightweight and stretchable fabric designs.

Saurabh Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder of Harfun, also spoke about the company’s vision of revolutionizing men’s formal wear with their WorkWear 2.0, offering a blend of style and comfort that meets the evolving needs of modern professionals.

As India prepares for the Champions Trophy and with domestic cricket gaining more importance, Chawla’s insights underscore the changing landscape of Indian cricket, where the blend of senior experience and young talent continues to shape the future of the sport.