Rohit Sharma Emphasizes Importance of Ranji Trophy for Team India Selection

In Colombo, Sri Lanka, Team India captain Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of domestic cricket tournaments like the Ranji Trophy in the selection process for the national Test team. Speaking after India’s 2-0 ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, Sharma stressed that despite the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), traditional domestic competitions remain crucial for nurturing talent.

Sharma acknowledged that while the IPL is a significant platform, it has not overshadowed the value of India’s domestic cricket structure. He said, “Our goal has always been to ensure that players who are available participate in the Ranji Trophy. Domestic cricket forms the backbone of our international cricket. Many of the players currently representing the country have risen through the ranks by playing domestic cricket, making it crucial for everyone. We aim to keep it competitive.”

India’s performance against Sri Lanka saw the team struggle notably against spin, leading to batting collapses in all three games. In the post-match press conference, Sharma addressed the issue and reiterated the importance of domestic tournaments in preparing players for international challenges. “When selecting players for Test and ODI cricket, much of the discussion revolves around who is performing well in the Ranji Trophy, the one-day format, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” he explained.

While the IPL has contributed to the rise of several cricketing stars, it has also sparked debate about its impact on Indian cricket. However, Sharma clarified that both the IPL and domestic tournaments play vital roles. “The IPL has its own stature and presents different challenges, but it is all part of Indian cricket, and players excelling in any of these tournaments will eventually be recognized,” he noted.

Sharma also addressed India’s poor batting display in the series, particularly against the Sri Lankan spinners. He dismissed the notion that playing on turning tracks was an acceptable excuse for their failures. “Playing spin on slow pitches should not be an excuse. We all play on these kinds of surfaces. It is about having a clear game plan and executing it well,” Sharma said.

Rohit Sharma remained the leading run-getter in the three-match ODI series, with 157 runs at an average of 52.33 and a strike rate of 141.4. No other batter from either side totaled 100 runs in the series.