There was a time when representing one’s state in domestic cricket was considered an unspoken duty for Indian internationals. Icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and VVS Laxman made it a point to turn up for their state teams whenever possible, showcasing their commitment and raising the standard of the game. Today, however, the connection between Indian players and domestic cricket has significantly waned, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to issue strict guidelines making domestic cricket participation mandatory.
From Duty to an Option
In the past, India’s top cricketers didn’t think twice about playing domestic matches. It wasn’t viewed as an extraordinary act but rather a basic responsibility. However, the current era tells a different story. Despite the valid need for players to rest due to the increasing cricket calendar, the decline in domestic appearances by big names has become concerning.
For instance, Virat Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy game for Delhi in 2012, while Rohit Sharma hasn’t represented Mumbai since 2015. Rishabh Pant’s last appearance for Delhi was in the 2017-18 season. Today, the Ranji Trophy is more commonly seen as a platform for out-of-favor players seeking a return to the national team or for those proving match fitness after an injury.
The Commitment of Legends
A few decades ago, players like Tendulkar, Dravid, and Kumble saw domestic cricket as an essential part of their careers. They didn’t just participate; they brought their competitive spirit, lifting the standard of the game and attracting large crowds.
In the 2000 Ranji Trophy semifinals, both Dravid and Kumble were visibly upset about missing Karnataka’s match against Hyderabad due to their commitments with English county cricket. Meanwhile, Tendulkar turned up for Mumbai, scoring an unbeaten 233 in the semifinal against Tamil Nadu. His presence brought over 20,000 fans to Wankhede Stadium daily.
Iconic Moments in Domestic Cricket
Domestic matches featuring Indian stalwarts were no less exciting than international fixtures. One such instance was the 2003 Irani Cup clash between Mumbai and the Rest of India (RoI). The game boasted a star-studded lineup, including Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Dravid, Kumble, Laxman, and Zaheer Khan. RoI chased down 340 in the fourth innings, with Dravid and Laxman adding a memorable 168-run partnership. Over 100,000 fans witnessed the thrilling encounter, underlining the allure of domestic cricket at the time.
A Call to Revive the Glory
The BCCI’s new policy mandating domestic cricket participation aims to restore the connection between top players and their roots. By enforcing these measures, the board hopes to revive the pride, responsibility, and competitive edge that once defined domestic cricket, ensuring it regains its rightful place in the Indian cricket ecosystem.
As fans reminisce about the golden era of domestic cricket, it’s time for the current generation to embrace the same ethos and lead by example. After all, the path to greatness often begins at home.
