The Decline of Red-Ball Commitment: India’s Test Stars and Domestic Cricket

Indian cricket’s decline in the longest format has raised serious concerns, especially after the team’s recent setbacks. The surrender of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) to Australia, coupled with a historic whitewash against New Zealand, has highlighted a glaring issue: the lack of red-ball match practice among India’s Test stars

The Numbers Don’t Lie

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  Virat Kohli, one of India’s premier batsmen, last played a Ranji Trophy game in 2012.
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  Rohit Sharma has not participated in domestic red-ball cricket for nine years.
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  In the past four years, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, and K.L. Rahul have collectively played only four domestic long-format games.

This lack of domestic involvement by India’s Test players is reflected in their recent performances, with poor shot selection, diminished bowling rhythm, and an apparent lack of Test temperament.

Recent S​etbacks

Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India lost the BGT at home after a decade and missed out on the World Test Championship final. These results have led to calls for a cultural shift in Indian cricket to restore its red-ball dominance.

The Call for Change

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar stressed the importance of domestic cricket for Test players. He called for greater participation in the Ranji Trophy, stating, “If you do not play those matches, we need to question your commitment.”

Former player Irfan Pathan echoed this sentiment, advocating a “cultural change” and pointing out how legends like Sachin Tendulkar consistently played domestic cricket to stay match-ready.

Symptoms of Red-Ball Rust

The recent BGT loss to Australia revealed clear signs of rust among India’s Test players:

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  Rishabh Pant fell prey to injudicious strokes.
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  Virat Kohli repeatedly poked at balls outside the off-stump.
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  Bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana struggled to maintain rhythm and intensity.
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  Batsmen lacked the patience required for long innings, with most failing to face 100 deliveries in critical matches.

In stark contrast, players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid have historically absorbed hundreds of deliveries, anchoring India’s most memorable Test victories.

The IPL Conundrum

The allure of the IPL has further contributed to the decline in red-ball cricket participation. Despite a warning from former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah about prioritizing domestic cricket, big Test stars have avoided Ranji games without facing sanctions. Meanwhile, mid-tier players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been penalized, losing their central contracts.

A Way Forward

Domestic cricket is not merely a proving ground for upcoming talent; it is a vital preparatory arena for seasoned Test players. As a team management member noted, “The switch from the red ball to the white ball is easy, but when it is the other way round, it is challenging. Frequent Ranji games keep players in rhythm.”

Restoring India’s Test dominance requires more than talent; it demands commitment. A cultural shift toward embracing domestic cricket is essential to rekindle the grit and patience required in the longest format.

The onus now lies on the players, selectors, and the BCCI to ensure that India’s Test cricket does not remain a shadow of its glorious past.