NEW DELHI: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently addressed speculation regarding the potential participation of senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
Shah clarified that the board does not deem it necessary for the seasoned duo to participate in the domestic tournament.
While acknowledging the significance of the Duleep Trophy as a platform for emerging players, Shah emphasized the importance of prioritizing workload management for established players like Sharma and Kohli.
“We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury. If you have noticed, in Australia and England, every international player does not play domestic cricket. We have to treat the players with respect,” Shah said, as quoted by ANI.
Shah’s statement suggests a strategic approach by the BCCI to ensure the long-term fitness and availability of key players. Participation in the Duleep Trophy, while beneficial for match practice, could potentially increase the risk of fatigue and injury, particularly for players who are already integral to India’s plans across all formats.
The BCCI’s decision reflects a broader trend in international cricket where boards are increasingly cautious about managing the workload of their senior players. This approach aims to strike a balance between providing opportunities for domestic players and safeguarding the fitness of established stars.
“Apart from them, everyone else is playing. You should appreciate that. One must note that Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are playing in the Buchi Babu tournament,” added Shah.
While the Duleep Trophy remains a significant tournament for emerging talent, the board’s stance underscores the importance of strategic workload management for senior players in the context of a demanding international calendar.
Meanwhile, Virat has been spotted in London lately as pictures of him in the England’s capital went viral on social media.