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In a recent statement, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah explained the rationale behind the inclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which is set to commence on September 5. Both players were previously omitted from the BCCI’s central contract list earlier this year due to their failure to participate in domestic cricket while being fit and available.
Strict measures enforced by the BCCI
Shah emphasized that the decision to exclude Iyer and Kishan from the central contracts was a disciplinary measure aimed at reinforcing the importance of domestic cricket participation. “Because of the harsh steps I have taken, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are playing Duleep Trophy,” he told TOI.
This approach is part of a broader strategy by the BCCI to ensure that players demonstrate their commitment to the sport and maintain their fitness levels through participation in domestic competitions.
New policies for the player’s fitness
The BCCI has introduced a new policy mandating that any centrally contracted player who is fit and not on national duty must participate in domestic tournaments. This policy aims to ensure that players remain in form and can prove their fitness before being considered for the national team. Shah referenced Ravindra Jadeja as an example, noting that he was called upon to play in domestic matches after recovering from an injury to demonstrate his readiness for international selection.
“When Ravindra Jadeja had got injured, I was the one who called him and asked him to play a domestic game. It’s certain now, whoever gets injured and goes out, can only come into the Indian team after proving his fitness in domestic cricket,” he added.
Also READ: BCCI announces squads for the Duleep Trophy; Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead
Workload management for senior players
While Iyer and Kishan are set to play in the Duleep Trophy, senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been given a break to manage their workloads. Shah explained that it would not be prudent to add to their physical strain by requiring them to participate in domestic matches, especially given the high-profile series against Australia and England on the horizon. He remarked,
“It doesn’t make sense to add to Virat and Rohit’s load by asking them to play domestic cricket. They run the risk of getting injured. You also need to look at England and Australia. None of their top players play domestic cricket. We must treat our players respectfully and not treat them like servants,” highlighting the need for strategic management of player fitness and availability.
