The decline of red ball engagement: India test stars and domestic cricket

The decline of the Indian cricket in the longest format has expressed serious concerns, especially after the recent setbacks of the team. The handover of the border gavaskar trophy (BGT) to Australia, paired with a historical white washing against New Zealand, has emphasized a blatant problem: the lack of a red-ball match practice under India test stars

The numbers don’t lie

• 
  Virat KohliOne of the leading strikers of India, last played a Ranji Trophy game in 2012.
• 
  RoHit Sharma Has not been involved in the domestic Red Ball Cricket for nine years.
• In the past four years, Shubman GillPresent Ravindra JadajaPresent Mohammed SirajAnd Kl Rahul together only played four domestic long -format games.

This shortage of domestic participation by Indian test players is reflected in their recent services with poor choice of firing, reduced bowling rhythm and an obvious lack of test temperament.

Newer S Etbacks

Under RoHit Sharma’s captain, India lost the BGT at home after a decade and missed the World Test Championship. These results have led to a cultural shift in the Indian cricket to restore the dominance of the Red Ball.

The call for change

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavascar emphasized the importance of the domestic cricket for test players. He called for a stronger participation in the Ranji Trophy and explained: “If you don’t play these games, we have to question your commitment.”

Former player Irfan Pathan repeated this feeling, supported a “cultural change” and pointed out how legends like Sachin Tendulkar Consistently played domestic cricket to stay match-capable.

Symptoms of red ball rust

The latest BGT defeat against Australia showed clear signs of rust among India test players:

• 
  Rishabh Pant fell victim to the powerful strokes.
• 
  Virat Kohli Repeated on balls outside the off-stump.
• Bowler like Mohammed Siraj And Harshit rana Fight to maintain rhythm and intensity.
• The strikers lacked the patience that was necessary for Lange Innings.

In strong contrast to the players, players like players Cheteshwar Pujara And Rahul Dravid Historically absorbed hundreds of deliveries and anchored India’s most memorable test wins.

The IPL puzzle

The clasp of the IPL also contributed to the decline in the red ball cricket participation. Despite a warning of the former BCCI secretary Jay Shah Big test stars avoided Ranji games without dealing with sanctions. In the meantime, players like medium -heavy players Shreyas Iyer And Ishan Kishan were punished and lost their central contracts.

A way forward

Domestic cricket is not just a demonstrative reason for upcoming talents. It is an important preparatory arena for experienced test players. As a team management member noted: “The change from the red ball to the white ball is easy, but if it is the other way around, it is a challenge. Frequent Ranji games keep the players in rhythm. “

The restoration of India’s test dominance requires more than talent. It requires commitment. A cultural change in the direction of domestic cricket is important to resume the grit and patience required in the longest format.

The responsibility is now due to the players, selectors and the BCCI to ensure that India’s test -does not remain a shadow of his wonderful past.