Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, emphasized the importance of listening to players regarding the challenges they face in the domestic cricket season. He acknowledged that players undergo immense physical strain and exertion while participating in various competitions.
Dravid's remarks were prompted by comments made by seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who expressed dissatisfaction with the three-day gaps between Ranji Trophy matches this season. Thakur highlighted concerns about the potential for injuries and the hindrance to players' recovery processes, particularly fast bowlers.
"I've heard similar sentiments expressed, including comments from Shardul and some of the newer players in the team. There have been remarks about the demanding nature of the domestic schedule, particularly in a country like India with extensive travel involved. It's crucial to listen to the players because they're the ones facing the challenges and putting their bodies on the line. If there's a consensus among them regarding certain issues, then it's necessary to address them and consider how we can manage our schedules better. The season in India is already grueling; it's tough," stated Dravid following India's Test series victory over England, which ended 4-1.
The senior men's domestic season commenced in June 2023 with the Duleep Trophy, followed by the Deodhar Trophy, both zonal competitions in different formats. Teams have been constantly on the move since the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy began in October, followed by the Vijay Hazare Trophy and currently the Ranji Trophy, which is nearing its conclusion with the final match between Mumbai and Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium. Additionally, there was an India 'A' red-ball series against England Lions in Ahmedabad in January during the Ranji Trophy league stage.
"The Ranji Trophy season is lengthy, and when you add the Duleep and Deodhar Trophies on top of that—last year, the Duleep Trophy started just a month after the IPL—there's a challenge. In this scenario, the top players, who are vying for selection in the Indian team, end up playing the most cricket as they keep progressing to the next level. They often represent their teams in semi-finals and finals, and they're also expected to participate in India and India A tours. It can become quite demanding for these players, and it's important to listen to their concerns."
"We may need to reassess whether all the tournaments we conduct are necessary in the current landscape. A comprehensive review involving coaches and players, especially those active in the domestic circuit, is warranted," Dravid added.
He concluded by encouraging Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were not included in the BCCI central contracts list for the 2023/24 season, to perform consistently well and compel the selectors to reconsider.
"They're always in contention. Every player participating in domestic cricket is part of the mix. However, I don't have a say in contracts; those decisions are made by the selectors and the board. My involvement is primarily in selecting the playing XI. Whether someone has a contract or not doesn't affect our decisions. There are numerous instances of players performing across formats regardless of their contract status. When we make decisions regarding the playing XI or the squad, everyone is considered, and it's about players getting back to form, fitness, and compelling selectors to pick them again."
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