The concurrent scheduling of India A tours and domestic competitions has led to significant changes for Ranji Trophy teams, with 46 top players representing India across various international and domestic squads. With India playing a Test series against New Zealand, India A teams participating in the Emerging Asia Cup in Oman and the red-ball tour in Australia, many state teams in the Ranji Trophy’s third round are forced to field altered line-ups.
Tamil Nadu’s strong start faces key absences
Currently leading Group D, Tamil Nadu is without key players like captain R Sai Kishore, who is in Oman. Stand-in skipper Narayan Jagadeesan remains optimistic, acknowledging that the situation provides opportunities for other players to step up. Tamil Nadu, fresh off a win over Saurashtra, now faces Chhattisgarh without stalwarts B Sai Sudharsan, Baba Indrajith, and Washington Sundar, who are all on India A duty.
Punjab faces challenges in key fixtures
Punjab’s match against Uttar Pradesh will proceed without key players such as Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Ramandeep Singh, all of whom are playing in the Emerging Asia Cup. Coach Wasim Jaffer admitted that missing such players during important games makes things difficult, but he also sees it as a chance for others to make their mark.
Bengal looks to young talent
Bengal, missing Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep, will take on Kerala in Round 3. Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla views the absence of senior players as an opportunity for younger players to step up and gain valuable experience in the Ranji Trophy.
Delhi turns to rising stars
Delhi, playing without Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Hrithik Shokeen, and Navdeep Saini, will look to replacements who have shown maturity in recent matches. Coach Sarandeep Singh acknowledged that while the absence of core players is challenging, the exposure to international cricket for their young talents is valuable for both them and the team.
BCCI balances domestic and international tours
The overlapping schedules, though unavoidable, are part of BCCI’s broader effort to provide international exposure to young players. According to National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman, the development tours allow rising talents to gain much-needed experience, while domestic teams adjust to the absence of their seasoned players.
Key players missing from fixtures:
- Tamil Nadu vs Chhattisgarh: R Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, B Sai Sudharsan, Baba Indrajith
- Bengal vs Kerala: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep
- Punjab vs Uttar Pradesh: Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Ramandeep Singh
- Delhi vs Assam: Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Hrithik Shokeen, Navdeep Saini
The absence of these players presents both challenges and opportunities for the Ranji Trophy teams as they adapt to new line-ups and the evolving demands of the tournament.