In the wake of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent announcement of central contracts, the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer has stirred considerable discussion in cricketing circles. The omission is particularly notable for Kishan, who has opted out of participating in this season’s Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket tournament.
This decision has prompted former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to express his astonishment and concern regarding the commitment of young players to the traditional format of the game.
Ganguly, speaking to RevSportz, highlighted the critical role of first-class cricket in a player’s development and the expectation for contracted players to partake in significant domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy.
“You are supposed to play first-class cricket,” Ganguly emphasized, pointing out the discrepancy in Kishan’s actions, especially given his status as a player who has been part of the Indian team across all formats and holds a significant contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Ishan Kishan’s decision to skip the Ranji Trophy, citing mental fatigue as his reason for taking a break from both domestic and international cricket, has sparked a debate on the pressures faced by modern cricketers and the balancing act between professional commitments and personal well-being.
While acknowledging the challenges, Ganguly expressed surprise over Kishan’s choice, especially considering his potential and recent involvement with the national team. “I don’t know why he has done that. You must play especially when you are as gifted as Ishan Kishan,” Ganguly remarked.
In contrast to Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, despite being omitted from the central contracts, has made a return to the Ranji Trophy, playing in the semi-final for Mumbai. This move aligns with the BCCI’s apparent intention behind the contract decisions—to reinforce the value of first-class cricket as the foundational pillar of the sport in India.
Ganguly’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within Indian cricket about nurturing the game’s traditional formats and ensuring that rising stars remain engaged with domestic cricket.
The situation surrounding Kishan and Iyer serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics between player management, the demands of international cricket, and the enduring importance of domestic competitions in developing and maintaining a player’s form and commitment to the sport. As the cricketing community continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on balancing the aspirations of individual players with the broader objectives of national and domestic cricket development.
