Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed the BCCI decision to make it compulsory for all Indian players to play in domestic cricket. Pujara said it would help raise the standard of the competition. 

However, the former Indian number three said the workload of the players needs to be managed as hectic scheduling is there. Mostly, in the last few years, it has been noticed that the players have avoided playing in the domestic season and the BCCI has decided to come hard on them.

Pujara said the youngsters can get to learn a lot while rubbing shoulders with the big Indian players.

Pujara said,“It’s important for players to play domestic cricket. It raises the standard of the competition. When top players participate, it brings a lot of motivation, and young domestic players can learn a great deal. At the same time, workload needs to be managed. If you are a multi-format player, you can’t participate in every game, but you need to identify if there is a Test series coming up.”

“For that preparation alone, if someone can manage to play one or two games, that would be ideal. As for batsmen, they should play as many domestic games as possible,” added Pujara.

Pujara added that one can not expect Jasprit Bumrah to play consistently in the domestic season as he needs to manage his workload but said a young bowler must play as much as he can.

“It might be slightly different for bowlers. Someone like Jasprit Bumrah needs to manage his workload and can’t be expected to play domestic cricket. But if there is a young fast bowler trying to develop his skills in red-ball cricket, he should play as many matches as possible. The team management and coaching staff at the NCA should sit together and figure out a roadmap for every player,” said Pujara.

Indian players are currently plying their trade in the Duleep Trophy.