There was a period when it was expected that Indian international cricketers would participate in state matches whenever they were not engaged in national duties. This practice was not regarded as commendable; it did not attract media attention, nor was it accompanied by any fanfare. It was simply an accepted norm, as it was the customary practice.

Currently, we find ourselves in a situation where the Board of Control for Cricket in India has to enforce a directive stating that, except in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval, every Indian player wishing to represent the nation must participate in domestic competitions whenever they are available and fit to play.

At first glance, this situation appears regrettable, illustrating how domestic cricket is often overlooked once players achieve their aspirations of reaching higher levels. However, the reality is more complex. The volume of cricket played in India has significantly increased compared to a decade ago, necessitating that players take time to rest, recover, and rejuvenate. While these considerations are entirely reasonable, the issue arises when prominent and lesser-known players alike consistently neglect to return to their foundational roots, highlighting the necessity for stringent policies.

Noteworthy observations include that Virat Kohli last participated in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012, while Rishabh Pant has not played for the team since the 2017-18 season. Rohit Sharma's last appearance for Mumbai dates back to November 2015. Recently, the Ranji Trophy has become a strategic avenue for players who have been excluded from the national team to regain their footing, or for those recovering from injuries who are required to demonstrate their match fitness in a competitive environment.

It is remarkable to reflect that a quarter-century ago, prominent figures such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and VVS Laxman regarded participation in state matches as an essential commitment, never contemplating the option of abstaining. This ethos was established even earlier by icons like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev during the modern era, although it could be argued that the demand for Indian cricket was not as pronounced during their peak years. However, by the time Tendulkar and Kumble were active, the national team was engaged in a significantly busier schedule, largely due to the introduction of the 50-over format. Despite this, these cricketing stalwarts were unwavering in their dedication to representing their states, driven by a sense of duty rather than obligation or a desire to assist the team.

The accounts of these players disembarking from long international flights only to immediately participate in a Ranji Trophy match are neither fanciful nor exaggerated. There existed a profound pride in representing one’s state, coupled with a sense of responsibility, as it was the state team that played a pivotal role in their development. These legends approached the game with utmost seriousness, competing fiercely to bring honour to their respective teams. They did not remain idle in the dressing room during fielding, nor did they treat their batting opportunities as mere formalities. This commitment not only enhanced the stature of domestic cricket but also elevated the quality of competition, drawing thousands of spectators to the stadiums, even in the absence of the national team.

When Dravid, Kumble got upset at missing Ranji Trophy

The 2000 Ranji Trophy semifinals serve as a notable example. Kumble and Dravid were deeply disappointed by their inability to represent Karnataka against Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, as they had commitments with English counties Leicestershire and Kent, respectively. At the time of signing their county contracts, the Ranji season had been planned for an earlier conclusion. Laxman scored an impressive 353 runs, while Mohammed Azharuddin contributed 123 runs, leading Hyderabad to the final. In the other semifinal, Tendulkar played for Mumbai against Tamil Nadu, scoring an unbeaten 233 to assist his team in surpassing a formidable first-innings total of 485. Each day of the match at Wankhede Stadium attracted over 20,000 spectators, and in the final against Hyderabad, Mumbai emerged victorious, despite Laxman’s century in the second innings.

Another memorable encounter is the 2003 Irani Cup match held in Chennai, featuring the Ranji champions Mumbai against the Rest of India. This match showcased some of the most prominent figures in Indian cricket at the time, including Tendulkar representing Mumbai, alongside Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, Kumble, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan for the Rest of India. The match was a classic, with the renowned partnership of Dravid and Laxman contributing 168 runs to help the Rest of India successfully chase down a target of 340 in the fourth innings. Over 100,000 fans enjoyed the thrilling spectacle, which proved to be more captivating than a typical Test match. One might reflect, "Ah, those were the days!"

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