There has been significant concern among experts and seasoned cricketers regarding the necessity for underperforming players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the upcoming second half of the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season, set to commence later this month. This participation is deemed essential for them to regain their form following a disappointing tour of Australia. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has also conveyed a subtle reminder to the two senior players about the importance of engaging in domestic cricket. Nevertheless, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif suggested that both Kohli and Sharma, along with several other batsmen who struggled during the Australia series, might not take part in the Ranji campaign.

India faced a significant defeat, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series 1-3, thereby relinquishing the title for the first time in eight years. After winning the opening match in Perth, India succumbed to a six-wicket loss in the series decider held in Sydney.

In the aftermath of this defeat, Kaif joined other former cricketers in emphasizing the need for India, whom he referred to as "white-ball bullies," to develop a robust Test team in preparation for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle, which is set to begin in June.

"On February 23rd, India will receive considerable acclaim for defeating Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, and many will proclaim us a champion team in white-ball cricket. However, if India aspires to succeed in the World Test Championship, it is imperative to cultivate a Test match team capable of adapting to seaming conditions. The reality is that we are merely white-ball bullies, and we are falling significantly behind. To achieve success in the WTC, players must engage in domestic cricket on turning pitches and practice on seaming surfaces; otherwise, victory will remain elusive," he stated in a video shared on his social media platform.

Why Kohli and Rohit could miss the Ranji season?

There has been a growing demand from experts for Kohli and Rohit to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, which is set to resume on January 23, following their disappointing performances since September. Kohli has struggled with an average of just 30 since 2022, accumulating 190 runs across nine innings during the tour of Australia, which includes a century scored in Perth. In contrast, Rohit managed only 31 runs at a dismal average of 6.20, marking the lowest average for a touring captain in Australia.

In light of the situation, Kaif remarked that the demanding schedule for national team players often necessitates a decision to rest, which may lead to Kohli and Rohit missing the Ranji season once again. It is also important to note that India is scheduled to play a white-ball series at home against England, with selectors likely to assemble a full-strength squad for the ODI matches commencing in the first week of February. This will be followed by the Champions Trophy and the IPL.

"India lost 1-3, and I believe this serves as a wake-up call, as we must now focus on Test cricket. It is not solely Gautam Gambhir's responsibility. All players have the opportunity to participate in the Ranji Trophy, yet the demands can be exhausting, leading them to prioritize rest overplaying. If they do not engage in the Ranji Trophy or practice matches, how can they expect to improve? Competing on turning pitches in India is challenging, and it is even more difficult on seaming tracks in Australia and South Africa. Without adequate practice, success in the World Test Championship will remain elusive. What has transpired has occurred for the better, and now Team India must dedicate itself to improving in Test cricket," Kaif stated.

Kohli and Rohit had previously missed the initial phase of the Ranji season in October for similar reasons, although they faced significant criticism for opting out of the Duleep Trophy in September, before the commencement of the Test calendar, despite having minimal commitments since their T20 World Cup victory in June.

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