In a recent statement, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah addressed the exclusion of star cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The decision comes amid discussions around the involvement of senior players in domestic tournaments, especially after India’s disappointing ODI series loss to Sri Lanka.
Speculation had been rife about the possible return of Sharma and Kohli to domestic cricket after their underwhelming performances in Sri Lanka. However, Shah’s comments suggest that the BCCI is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing player fitness ahead of a busy international calendar.
‘We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy’ – Jay Shah
Jay Shah highlighted the need to protect the well-being of key players, drawing comparisons to practices in cricketing powerhouses like Australia and England. “We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury. If you have noticed, in Australia and England, every international player does not play domestic cricket. We have to treat the players with respect. Apart from them, everyone else is playing. You should appreciate that,” Shah said in an interview with ANI (via The Times of India).
Jay Shah also mentioned the participation of other notable players in the domestic circuit, such as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who recently lost their annual central contracts with the BCCI. Both players are set to feature in the Buchi Babu tournament and will represent Team D in the Duleep Trophy. “One must note that Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are playing in the Buchi Babu tournament,” Shah added.
The Duleep Trophy will feature four teams, with prominent names like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja leading the squads. This tournament is expected to be a crucial platform for emerging talent, as well as for seasoned players looking to regain their form.
