In light of the recent push by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enforce Ranji Trophy participation among certain players, questions arise regarding the exemption of Hardik Pandya from this directive.
While the BCCI has advocated for players like Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, and Deepak Chahar to prioritize red-ball cricket, Pandya’s exemption stems from concerns over his injury record and physical capacity to endure the demands of Test cricket.
An official explained, “We can understand Hardik Pandya’s case as his body can’t take the rigors of red-ball cricket. He can’t withstand the workload of Test cricket, and Team India needs him fit for ICC events.”
The BCCI’s contemplation of making Ranji Trophy participation mandatory for IPL eligibility reflects its disapproval of players prioritizing T20 leagues over traditional cricket formats. With T20 cricket gaining precedence globally, the BCCI aims to strike a balance by emphasizing the significance of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.
“While IPL has paved the way for many cricketers to reach the senior Indian national team, the BCCI is cautious about it becoming the norm,” emphasized a BCCI official.
The BCCI’s stance underscores its commitment to preserving the integrity of red-ball cricket amidst the evolving landscape of the sport, with measures being considered to ensure players uphold the importance of traditional formats like the Ranji Trophy.
