BCCI’s media statement which announced that the Indian cricket squad for the Sri Lanka tour was interesting. Both the ODI and T20I squads had several interesting choices. Pandya’s demotion from leadership and Suryakumar’s promotion as T20I captain were the main points to talk about. However, there was one line in the statement which conveyed a strong message. The BCCI media statement said that the Board “will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season, 2024-25.”
This is a direct indication for the players who are willing to play for the national team.
Assam’s Riyan Parag has gotten benefit for his fantastic performance in last year’s Vijay Hazare National one days, where he scored 7 half-centuries. It has come to being known that the national selection committee will give complete importance to t=domestic cricket performances.
Newbie pacer Harshit Rana, who had 19 wickets for KKR in this year’s IPL and was selected for the first 2 Zimbabwe T20Is, is included in the ODI squad as it is believed that the selectors think it is the best time to increase their options of pacers and check how they perform at the elite level.
Recently, a PTI report has claimed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has mad it clear that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when they are free from national duty. Exceptions will be made for Rohit, Virat and pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The BCCI would however, wants all the other test specialists to play at least one of Duleep Trophy games in August as precussor to Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
“This time there is no zonal selection committee for Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams.” the source said.
“All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not,” the source added.
Though Abhishek Sharma, who scored a 46-ball-century, missed out as there is no place for him at No.3 where the captain himself will bat. Similarly, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad also did not find a place.
With only 6 ODIs left for the Champions Trophy, it was important for both Rohit and Kohli to play this series so that the new coach can think about the tactical combinations.
