Indian limited-overs specialists barred from playing Ranji Trophy

The Indian team is currently playing Islanders Sri Lanka in a Test series following which the teams will play three ODIs and as many T20Is. They then head to South Africa in early January. Thus, with such a congested schedule, it is of utter importance that players stay fit and free of fatigue.

Managing workload of cricketers is hence one of the top priorities for a squad that usually plays more matches than other countries. And in a bid to keep the cricketers in shape, the Indian team management has barred the limited-overs specialists from appearing in the Ranji Trophy, the premier first-class tournament in the domestic circuit.

Cricketers Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik are all going through their training and recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Karthik and Jadhav skipped the last round of Ranji matches citing hip strain and hand injury respectively.

Chahal and Bumrah categorically advised to not play Ranji matches

A BCCI official privy to the matter revealed, “Chahal had asked for permission to play for Haryana but he was not allowed to do so by the team management. Instead, he was asked to stay back at NCA after the T20I series against New Zealand a fortnight ago,” quoted TOI.

The source further added, “The idea is to preserve these players. They have been doing well for the ODI team and there’s no point in burning them out or risking injuries by playing domestic matches.”

While Pandya has made it known that he voluntarily asked for rest instead of taking part in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, it is understood that Chahal and Bumrah have been categorically advised to avoid playing Ranji matches. The report also suggests that the duo is in the running for a place in the Test squad for the tour of South Africa.