Mumbai: Not too long ago, stars would jump at every chance to showcase their skills in domestic cricket, but that’s become pretty rare these days. However, things might be shifting starting Thursday. With future selections tied to domestic play, even a little nudge is enough for players to step up.

This explains why Rohit Sharma is making a comeback to the Ranji Trophy after almost ten years, ready to play for Mumbai against Jammu & Kashmir. Virat Kohli has also assured Delhi fans that he’ll be on the field at home against Railways in the next round kicking off January 30. Plus, Rishabh Pant is set to return to Ranji action for Delhi against Saurashtra in Rajkot on Thursday, marking his first appearance since his Test debut nearly seven years ago.

Sure, the packed international schedule makes it tough to participate in domestic matches. But those who recognize the importance of domestic cricket in honing their skills still find a way to make it work. Just look at recently retired off-spinner R Ashwin, who played in nine Ranji matches after his Test debut.

Some of the hesitation comes from the smaller venues. With 135 multi-day matches crammed into ten weeks, there are a lot of games happening in low-key places, like the Delhi-Saurashtra match at Rajkot’s C Ground, while the main stadium is getting ready for an India-England T20I.

Then there's the Mumbai-J&K match taking place at the cozy Sharad Pawar Academy in BKC instead of the Wankhede stadium, which is also prepping for another India-England T20I. They’ve set up a temporary air-conditioned commentary box, a DRS chamber, and a few hundred plastic seats for fans. But honestly, it’s nothing like the thrilling international matches that top players are used to.

Still, playing on a smaller stage can feel freeing at times. “In India, we’ve always seen first-class cricket as a stepping stone to greater achievements. Not many of us have played for our states with the respect and fulfillment the game truly deserves,” VVS Laxman mentions in his autobiography.

He shared how he embraced the Ranji Trophy during the 1999-2000 season for Hyderabad after being dropped from the Indian team. “I decided that I would live like a regular first-class cricketer from then on. I wanted to take pride in contributing to Hyderabad cricket,” he wrote. Laxman ended up scoring 1415 runs that season with an average of 108, which led to his return to international cricket.

Rohit and Kohli are nearing the end of their careers, and their positions in Test cricket have never faced as much scrutiny as they do now. A little game time without the pressure could really benefit them. However, it’s even more crucial for players like Pant and Shubman Gill, who has a bright future ahead and still has to tap into his full potential. Gill is set to play for Punjab against Karnataka in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Ajinkya Rahane, the captain of Mumbai, emphasized, “Match preparation is key for any cricketer. Getting some game time is essential before stepping into international cricket. The BCCI has been urging all players to participate in domestic cricket for the last couple of years.”

Some critics see the BCCI’s push for domestic cricket as a reaction to recent home losses against New Zealand and defeats in Australia. Maybe that’s true. By not insisting that players take part in the Duleep Trophy last year, they might have missed a chance. Now, there are plenty of white-ball games coming up.

“It’s great to have Rohit back in the Mumbai team after so long. His experience is invaluable, and everyone can learn from him. We’ve played together for years, from age-group teams to the national side. His insights will be crucial over the next few days,” Rahane mentioned.

Only ‘insights’ because Rahane will still be in charge. Rohit hasn’t had a close look at the current Mumbai bowlers yet. For instance, left-arm spinner Karsh Kothari managed to get the better of him a few times during their 25-minute net session on Wednesday. Then there’s the tall off-spinner Himanshu Singh, who bowled well until Rohit figured him out and sent one over long-on.

India doesn’t have a Test match scheduled for another five months. Where Rohit stands by then will likely depend more on his performance and fitness during the upcoming long white-ball season rather than this Ranji Trophy match. As Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently pointed out, Indian players need to play not just for their own form and fitness but also to help strengthen the domestic structure.

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