Shardul Thakur Puts Forward Suggestion for Longer Gaps Between Ranji Matches

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March 4, 2024 0 580

Shardul Thakur raised concerns about player workload and potential injuries due to the grueling schedule of Ranji Trophy matches and suggested longer breaks between matches.

Amidst the ongoing controversy between the BCCI, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer, regarding their exclusion from the Ranji Trophy, Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur advocated for longer breaks between matches in the tournament. He put forward that this would allow players sufficient rest and improve their preparation for future matches.

Observing that reaching the finals could mean playing ten first-class matches in less than ten weeks, the 32-year-old labeled the schedule as “tough” and constantly intensifying.

“If boys keep playing like this for two more seasons, there will be a lot of injuries across the country. Next year, they [the BCCI] have to re-look at it and give more break. When I remember playing Ranji Trophy back in the day, good seven to eight years back, first three games used to have a three-day break, and then it was [a] four-day break, and knockouts were played [with] five-day breaks,” said Shardul in a post-match conference.

The all-rounder also acknowledged the expanding window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) that forced the BCCI to squeeze other domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy into a shorter timeframe, resulting in the current demanding schedule.

“Now this year, we have seen that all the games have been played [with a] three-day gap. It is extremely tough on domestic players to expect them to play ten games in a row with just a three-day gap if [a] team makes it to the finals”, he added.

Agreeing with Shardul, Sai Kishore, the Tamil Nadu captain, said “Fast bowlers are extra tired because you travel on one day.” These comments, therefore, highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding player workload management, calling for a balance between different cricketing events.