In a recent development that has ruffled feathers in Indian cricket circles, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been dropped from the BCCI annual player contracts, sparking discussions about the significance of domestic cricket in the modern era of the sport. The duo’s omission from the prestigious list was notably linked to their absence from the Ranji Trophy, which didn’t go unnoticed even though they were engaged in other cricket-related activities.
Kirti Azad, a former Indian cricketer who was part of the legendary 1983 World Cup winning squad, didn’t mince words when he underscored the importance of domestic cricket, especially the classic five-day format represented by tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. “It (directive) is a very good move,” Azad expressed in an interview with PTI. He continued, “Everybody should be playing Ranji Trophy cricket, but currently the emphasis is on the IPL. It is good, it is entertaining but the real cricket is the (five) days’ cricket. Playing in domestic cricket is good, it keeps you in touch.”
Azad, who made a name for himself both as a hard-hitting batsman and a cunning bowler, emphasized that participation in domestic cricket should be a mandate for every cricketer, regardless of their stature. Superstars such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli weren’t exempt in his eyes. “But whenever you are free, even if you’re a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli, you should go back and play domestic cricket for the state,” he remarked, highlighting the role that state cricket plays in a player’s development and selection for national duty. Azad didn’t believe in singling out players and felt that everyone should be held accountable. “Just to penalize the two is not correct, I think everybody should be penalized. Everybody should be seen with the same mirror,” he added.
Looking back to the heydays of Indian cricket, the former all-rounder reminisced how the domestic circuit was revered and respected by players who today are considered legends of the game. Names such as Bishan Singh Bedi, Madan Lal, Surinder Amarnath, and Sunil Gavaskar, along with others, regularly featured in state-level matches. These seasoned Test players would share the field with the younger batch including Azad and a youthful Ravi Shastri. “All these senior Test team players would play for their sides, would play for the pride of their state which seems missing in the youngsters nowadays,” Azad lamented.
Despite the trending inclination towards the shorter, more glamorous T20 format, Azad acknowledged young talents who have not abandoned the Ranji Trophy. He praised Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel for managing to balance both formats and upholding the tradition of representing their states in domestic competitions. He pointed out the benefits for bowlers as well, as regular participation in the domestic games enables them to develop the stamina and technique required for longer spells. “The bowlers also get into the rhythm of bowling longer spells when they regularly play domestic cricket. It (Ranji) is not a form of slam-bang and thank you,” he said, contrasting the nuance of traditional cricket with the fast-paced action of T20s.
In an era of cricket that is increasingly dominated by commercial leagues and shorter formats, Azad’s message is clear: the sanctity of domestic cricket and the responsibility of cricketers to their roots must not be neglected. His call to ensure that players of all ranks participate in their domestic leagues not only challenges the contemporary cricketing structure but also harks back to a time when playing for one’s state was a matter of immense pride and a stepping stone to national glory.
