There has been a lot of talk about the need for Indian cricketers to prioritize domestic cricket, but how important is red-ball performance when choosing India’s eleven?
Easwaran has been knocking on the Indian team’s door for years now. Over the past five years, he has averaged 50 runs with 14 hundreds and 1250 runs in 44 first-class matches. He has played on several A tours but has never had an opportunity in the Test side. Sarfaraz and Easwaran are among the best players in the country at their respective positions. The selectors thought they were good enough to be in the squad for the Australia series, but the team management did not select them for any Tests.
Growing up as hitters, the only currency we all knew was batsmanship. Now the question is whether someone else can score runs at a faster pace. Or maybe they have experience playing against quality international bowling in leagues around the world?
Red-ball cricket is a tough game. Matches are long and conditions are much more variable than in limited-overs cricket. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. Furthermore, it is often not as financially lucrative as white-ball cricket, so there are few incentives to motivate players other than Test caps. Also keep in mind that it may take years for the position you have specialized in as a first-class player to become available.
Test cricket currently uses three balls: the SG used in India’s domestic and international matches, the Kingfisher used in Australia and New Zealand, and the Dukes used in England and the West Indies. Each comes with its own challenges. Meanwhile, one ball is used for international white ball cricket all over the world.
There is no hesitation in saying that in today’s world, becoming a freelance cricketer is the easy way out. Players now see potential in becoming white-ball specialists and honing their technique and skills for shorter formats.
Abhimanyu Easwaran has scored over 7500 runs in first-class cricket, averaging close to 50 runs. What does that mean in terms of his chances of selection into the Indian side?•Tanuj/Ekana Cricket Stadium
The only currency we all knew growing up as batsmen was runs, and that’s still true. However, please note the following: Could the runs be scored at a faster pace by someone else, or do they have experience playing against quality international bowling in leagues around the world? As players around the world abandon first-class cricket in search of better opportunities and financial security, the value of first-class experience is a big question mark.
Having played on the circuit myself for over 15 years, I struggle to explain the benefits of first-class cricket to young players.
India has five selectors who look at the 32 Ranji teams playing simultaneously across the country. On the contrary, many white-ball matches in the country have multiple scouts, and state league matches also have scouts, keeping an eye on potential future candidates for IPL franchises.
Even if a player is selected for the Test squad, it is the team management who chooses the eleven. By and large, the only opportunity for management to see first-class cricketers joining their teams is online, which is unfair to both parties and a poor measure of a player’s ability. Recent examples seem to prove that management is content to pick players who have played against the best players in the world in the shortest format. Take the example of Jurel and Nitish Reddy. They were given opportunities mostly or partially based on the potential they showed in the shortest format. This is another reason why performances in top-class cricket are not valued enough to warrant a place in the eleven.
I am not suggesting that the system be revamped or even saying that Indian players have to play Ranji Trophy regularly. It is unrealistic to expect players with such a demanding schedule to consistently feature in domestic cricket. Asking them to do so seems like an expedient response to the losses in Australia, and while that’s understandable, it’s not sustainable in the long term, at least to me.
Officials need to have faith in the domestic system and the players it produces. They need to be given continued opportunities at the highest level. After all, these are the people who have built their game and achieved continued success over a period of time.
Jacob Bethell had played just 20 first-class matches when he made his Test debut last year.•AFP/Getty Images
I have to admit, this only shows the growing worthlessness of first-class cricket. Having played on the circuit myself for over 15 years, I struggle to explain the benefits of first-class cricket to young players. It’s like explaining a typewriter and its functions to a smartphone-wielding young man.
The second phase of Ranji Trophy will begin on January 23. For some, its usefulness may be an opportunity to hone their skills, for others it’s a way to get back into shape, and for others it may just provide pre-game time. The white ball season begins. This is the last chance this season for the red-ball specialists to shine, with all the top stars back, before shifting attention to the T20Is, ODIs and eventually the IPL against England. Players like Easwaran, Sarfaraz, and other fringe cricketers who are not in the IPL, will ultimately have to find a way to maintain their form and fitness over the summer and, if possible, miss matches. You’ll need to find time to stay in shape. He is also vying for selection for the England series in June.
Abhinav Mukund is a batsman from Tamil Nadu who has played seven Tests for India.
