Rishabh Pant: Why Are Jaiswal, Pant, and Gill Playing Ranji Amid T20 Speculations? Know BCCI’s Strategy

The second round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin on January 23. After the disappointing performance of Indian batters on the Australia tour, the chances of star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in this domestic tournament have increased. Additionally, the BCCI has made it mandatory for Team India players to participate in domestic cricket.

Reports suggest that players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant might also feature in red-ball domestic cricket. These three players have not been selected for the upcoming T20 series against England. This raises the question: Have Jaiswal, Pant, and Gill been rested or dropped from the T20 series?

England’s Tour of India to Begin on January 22

England’s tour of India is set to start on January 22, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing a 15-player squad for the five-match T20 series. Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain, while Sanju Samson will take up the roles of wicketkeeper and opening batsman, pairing with Abhishek Sharma, who will also open the innings.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Situation

It is clear why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not part of the T20 squad. Both veterans have retired from T20 cricket and have time before the ODI series against England, allowing them to participate in Ranji Trophy matches to regain form.

Question Mark Over Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant’s Exclusion

The decision to rest Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant from the T20 series raises questions. If their workload management was to prioritize the ODI series and Champions Trophy, why are they playing a four-day Ranji match?

Future Series and Champions Trophy Preparation

Following the T20 series, India will face England in a three-match ODI series, with these three players expected to be part of the squad. The BCCI is likely to announce the squads for both the Champions Trophy and the ODI series on January 19.

BCCI Strategy for Pant, Jaiswal, and Gill

The BCCI’s decision appears puzzling. If the goal was to provide match practice, wouldn’t five international T20 matches have been a better option than one Ranji Trophy match? Playing in the T20 series would have allowed these players to face England bowlers who will also compete in the Champions Trophy and ODI series.