The Ranji Trophy has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, providing a platform for domestic talents to shine and push their case for national selection. However, with BCCI’s directive urging top players to participate, the question arises: does Rishabh Pant, one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters, need to feature in a Ranji game? More importantly, does his presence take away an opportunity from a budding talent? Let’s explore this nuanced debate.
What’s in it for Rishabh Pant?
Rishabh Pant has endured a gruelling schedule since his miraculous comeback from a near fatal accident. From the IPL to bilateral series and the T20 World Cup, he’s been India’s go-to player in high-stakes games. While the Ranji Trophy is an excellent opportunity for players to find rhythm or stake their claim for a comeback, does Pant need it?
Playing a single match against Saurashtra offers him little in terms of tangible gain. Unlike Virat Kohli, who might genuinely benefit from extended time in the middle given his struggles, Pant has already proven his mettle across formats. This outing could amount to little more than a token appearance, forced by the BCCI’s insistence on star participation in domestic cricket.
Youngster’s spot in question in Ranji Trophy?
Delhi’s cricketing pipeline is brimming with talent. Players like Priyansh Arya, Yash Dhull, and Vaibhav Kandpal are waiting for their opportunities to shine in India’s premier domestic competition. Pant’s inclusion could mean a deserving youngster misses out, even if just for one game. Yes, one could argue that what’s in it for a game but had BCCI not made it mandatory, was Pant going to play this Ranji Trophy game anyway? He’s selected for the IND vs ENG ODIs and for the ICC Champions Trophy as well and surely needs some break before the 50-over action begins.
A platform like the Ranji Trophy serves as a launchpad for fresh faces to establish themselves. With Pant likely to be unavailable for subsequent matches due to international commitments, his fleeting appearance may not massively benefit Delhi’s team dynamics either.
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Pant has no need to prove anything
Pant’s workload has been immense, especially following his comeback. The strain on his knees and back as a wicketkeeper-batter is unparalleled, and a match in the Ranji Trophy doesn’t necessarily align with his long-term priorities. Resting during this period could allow him to recharge physically and mentally before the ICC Champions Trophy and the demanding IPL 2025 season as well. While the BCCI’s push for international stars to play domestically has merits, it should be applied judiciously. Players like Pant, who have proven themselves and face relentless schedules, might benefit more from rest.
On the flip side, the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have had horrible forms. They looked all at sea during the BGT and some time at the crease would definitely do a world of good for them. Even for someone like Shubman Gill, a Ranji appearance is not that necessary.
Ranji Trophy stats for Rishabh Pant
| Matches | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 25 | 1395 | 308 | 58.12 | 4 | 4 |
Most matches for India since T20 World Cup 2024 ft. Rishabh Pant
| Player | Mat | Inns | Runs |
| Virat Kohli | 21 | 30 | 591 |
| Rishabh Pant | 21 (10 Tests) | 30 | 905 |
| Rohit Sharma | 19 | 26 | 578 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 18 | 9 | 34 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 18 | 18 | 43 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 18 | 17 | 429 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 17 | 15 | 61 |
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