Aakash Chopra drew attention to the fact that prominent players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane continue to compete on the domestic level. He has recommended Indian selectors not to pick players who are not participating in the first-class matches.
In a statement highlighting the value of first-class cricket, the former India opener urged Indian selectors to refrain from choosing players who are skipping the Ranji Trophy. Chopra’s latest comments came in reaction to the observation that some young Indian players are not playing the Ranji Trophy and instead depend on their IPL results to secure a spot in the national squad.
While some young players have chosen not to participate in the current Ranji Trophy, Rahane and Pujara are representing Mumbai and Saurashtra, respectively. All cricket players who do not play for the national team are reportedly required to participate in the upcoming round of the top domestic competition by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are still playing- Aakash Chopra on youngsters skipping the domestic matches
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra emphasized the dedication of veteran players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, who play on the domestic circuit even after being left off the Test team.
He emphasized that Pujara and Rahane are still competing in the Ranji Trophy and haven’t given up on their goal of making the national squad again. Chopra urged youngsters to learn from seniors like Pujara and Rahane.
“I am hearing that a lot of youngsters are not playing. They don’t play at all because their names have already come in the IPL. People have started thinking that they would be selected if they do well in the IPL, which is not a good thing, because Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are still playing,” he highlighted (3:20).
A strong message has to be sent that you will only be considered when you go and play domestic matches- Aakash Chopra
Players who don’t play first-class cricket should not be considered for the national squad, according to the former India opener. He anticipates that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will make a firm decision and make it known that players will only be taken into consideration for national selection if they actively play first-class cricket.
“If first-class cricket is happening and if you are fit and are not part of the Indian team, go and play. If someone feels that he will return without playing, a strong message has to be sent that you will only be considered when you go and play,” Chopra added.
Chopra expressed hope that these criteria will be severely enforced by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. Among the players not competing in the current Ranji Trophy is Ishan Kishan. Because of mental fatigue, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter has taken a break from international cricket and is reportedly getting ready for the IPL 2024 at Kiran More’s academy in Baroda.
“If you feel you will only play the IPL and play all cricket based on that, I am expecting the selection committee under Ajit Agarkar’s leadership to put that line in the sand, that it’s not going to happen. If this is being imposed, please do it even more,” he explained.
The only exception could be Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah – Aakash Chopra
First-team regulars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, according to Aakash Chopra, may be excused from playing domestic cricket due to personal or workload management concerns.
“The only exception could be for say Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, and you are managing their workload or you have given them a break for some personal issue, or else if first-class cricket is not happening, but if it’s happening, please go and play,” he further added.
Chopra noted that because of the huge number of cricket, the BCCI has also been accommodating and permitted players to miss specific series. He clarified, though, that it does not mean that first-class cricket matches might be skipped.