Sachin Tendulkar’s final first-class match in 2013 might be the last time the Ranji Trophy created such a buzz. The greatest Indian batter of all time was retiring from domestic cricket, and around 15,000 people came to a rather unknown cricket ground in Lahli. Another 5,000 were waiting outside. While not on the same level, the Arun Jaitley Stadium had around 10,000 in attendance to watch Virat Kohli in action as he made his Ranji Trophy return after 122 months.
The result wasn’t great, for fans or Kohli. The Delhiite didn’t bat on the first day, and when he did in the morning session of day two, he scored just 6 runs and faced just 15 balls. Two stands opened by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) were packed to the gills, and as soon as Himanshu Sangwan castled him, nearly everyone in the stands disappeared.
Virat Kohli doesn’t Ranji Trophy, says Rayudu
Kohli’s failure has everyone talking about how if he can’t perform in the Ranji Trophy, how will he do well in the India cricket team’s next Test series against England? For those people, Ambati Rayudu, Kohli’s former teammate, has an answer.
“Right now Virat Kohli doesn’t need the Ranji (Trophy). His technique was good for 81 hundreds, and it will be good going forward as well,” Rayudu wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account after the Delhi vs. Railways match ended.
BCCI’s domestic mandate, wrong?
The now-retired Indian cricketer also doesn’t like the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) mandate that has made domestic cricket compulsory for all international players. Rayudu believes that forcing someone of Kohli’s to play in the Ranji Trophy won’t do any good.
That will to play in domestic cricket has to come from within, and the batter knows what’s best for himself. During his peak, Kohli never played any domestic cricket, and yet look at his record. Just because he’s produced underwhelming results, the BCCI can’t change their treatment towards him.
“No one should force him into forcing himself for anything. He needs time to feel good about everything again. The spark within will ignite on its own. Basically respect and believe in him. Most importantly, leave him alone,” Rayudu added.
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