Published By: Sayan Guha

Can the Ranji Trophy Be the Redemption for Ro-Ko?

After struggling in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Ranji Trophy offers a chance for Indian stalwarts to rediscover their rhythm ahead of the England series

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was not joyful for India’s senior batters, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite his century in Perth, Virat scored just 190 runs in nine innings. Rohit struggled even more, scoring only 31 runs in three games. These performances raised eyebrows, with cricket commentators wondering if the two renowned players were losing their touch or just out of form.

As the Indian team prepares for their next major test, the forthcoming England series in June 2024, Virat and Rohit face a critical dilemma. Can the Ranji Trophy help them restore their lost form?

A golden opportunity awaits

With the Ranji Trophy restarting on January 23, 2024, Virat and Rohit have a perfect opportunity to wear their state colours again. For players of their ability, domestic cricket provides more than simply an opportunity to score runs. It is an area where players may improve on technical deficiencies, regain confidence, and better understand their game in ways that international matches do not allow.

Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammad Kaif, and Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir have all emphasised the value of senior players engaging in domestic cricket. With his extensive expertise, Gavaskar urged players to participate in domestic events like the Ranji Trophy to rectify their inadequacies. For him, the message is clear: devotion to domestic cricket is not optional but rather required for players wishing to return to their best.

The debate: To play or not to play?

But can Virat and Rohit really afford to take time away from the national schedule to compete in the Ranji Trophy? After all, the timetable is unrelenting. India’s white-ball series against England is followed by the Champions Trophy, the IPL, and the 2024/25 Test series, leaving little time for domestic responsibilities.

Even though both players have shown an intention to play till the 2027 ODI World Cup, it remains to be seen whether the temptation of domestic cricket would outweigh the pull of international events. If they elect to play in the Ranji Trophy, it may be the perfect respite from the stresses of international cricket, providing a new start without the weight of expectation.

Will the Ranji Trophy offer a solution?

The Ranji Trophy has frequently served as a lifeline for many players, particularly those going through a difficult period. The competition helps players recover their form and confidence from the pressures of international cricket. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are no strangers to form fluctuations, and both have demonstrated the ability to recover in the past.

While their participation in the event would be beneficial, it is not the only consideration. It all comes down to how they tackle the situation. Will they seize this opportunity to address their weaknesses? Or would they prefer the ease of playing limited-overs cricket when the pressure is slightly lower?

The bigger picture:What’s at stake?

While the primary attention is on Kohli and Rohit, there is a larger picture to ponder. The performance of Indian players in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has prompted concerns about India’s Test cricket prospects. Some former cricketers, like Kaif, think that India should construct a Test squad that can adapt to any conditions, whether on turning tracks at home or seaming wickets abroad. The Ranji Trophy provides just that opportunity—to play on varied surfaces, against challenging bowling attacks, and prepare for the unforeseen trials of international cricket.