Former cricketer emphasizes the impact of senior players on domestic cricket, aiding team morale and young talent development
Noida (Uttar Pradesh), January 22: Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal expressed his delight on Tuesday over Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participating in the second phase of the Ranji Trophy. Their presence in domestic cricket, he believes, will uplift young cricketers and boost team performance.
India captain Rohit Sharma is set to represent Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji Trophy phase, while Virat Kohli will return to the Delhi squad for their match against Railways, as confirmed by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance dates back to November 2012, where he faced Uttar Pradesh.
Madan Lal’s Perspective
Speaking to ANI, Lal highlighted the importance of senior players participating in domestic tournaments.
“I’m so happy that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are playing first-class cricket. Young players can learn from them. This tournament made them who they are, and playing in it helps others grow,” Lal said.
He also pointed out that the presence of players like Kohli and Rishabh Pant in Delhi’s squad could significantly improve the team’s chances of qualifying for the knockouts.
“The morale of the team increases when players like Kohli and Rohit play. For a struggling team like Delhi, their presence could make all the difference,” he added.
BCCI’s Stance on Domestic Cricket
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently implemented a policy mandating the participation of Indian international players in domestic matches to remain eligible for national team selection and central contracts. The move comes after India’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a 3-0 series whitewash against New Zealand at home.
BCCI stated that exceptions to this rule would only be made under extraordinary circumstances.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Future Under Scrutiny
At 37, Rohit’s return to first-class cricket comes amid discussions about his future in Test cricket. His recent form has raised concerns, with a lean patch during the 2023-24 season and a disappointing performance in the Australia series, managing just 31 runs across three Tests.
Despite the challenges, Rohit remains committed to the format. His participation in domestic cricket aligns with the BCCI’s goal to integrate senior players into the domestic ecosystem.
Tags: Ranji Trophy 2025, Rohit Sharma Ranji return, Virat Kohli domestic cricket, BCCI policies, Madan Lal cricket insights, Team India Test future, Indian cricket news
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