Gavaskar requests BCCI to reschedule Ranji Trophy to start in October

Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer and Indian wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan’s decision to opt not to play Ranji Trophy games despite directions from coach Rahul Dravid to do so has come under scrutiny from various stakeholders and experts. “Test cricket is the toughest format. And if you want success and want to excel in this tough format then you need that hunger. It is very important. We will give opportunities only to players who have that hunger. Jinko bhookh nahi hai, unko dekh ke hi pata chal jata hai (It is evident when someone does not have the hunger for it),” Indian captain Rohit Sharma said in the post match presentation after India’s victory against England in Ranchi. He however did not explicitly name them. 

Former Indian batsman Sunil Gavskar supported Rohit’s view and also requested for a re-examination of the Ranji Trophy schedule. “Maybe they have decided not to play Test cricket for India. They don't have the ability, they don't have the hunger like Rohit said. So which form of domestic cricket they didn't play? The Ranji Trophy. It is the longer format with red balls. So you can't do anything. I would request the BCCI to start the Ranji season in October and finish it in December. Then you hold the white-ball tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s. This will also give practice to the players playing in the IPL. From December to February India play Test matches either at home or abroad so if the Ranji Trophy is hosted before that then the young players will also be ready,” he stated.