Former Indian coach Madan Lal shared his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from BCCI’s annual contract.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were omitted from the annual BCCI contract as they did not participate in the Ranji Trophy for their respective states. The duo also failed to clinch a spot in the Test match series played by India. Madan Lal, a former Indian coach, lauded BCCI’s initiative of making first-class cricket mandatory for all players, which led to the exclusion of Iyer and Kishan from the annual BCCI contract.
ALSO READ | BCCI Announces Annual Retainership: Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan Omitted from Consideration
Reportedly, Ishan Kishan had cited reasons for not participating in Ranji and recent test matches. Kishan stated that he needed a break due to mental fatigue. Iyer too was left out of the Indian squad after the second match during the England versus India test series. On this, Madan Lal shared his opinion about the temperament in an interview with TOI.
”If the BCCI told them to play first-class cricket, they should have gone and played. No one is bigger than the game. The BCCI should be given the credit as they are making it mandatory to play first-class cricket. Most of the players nowadays are taking first-class cricket for granted because of the IPL. Definitely, the BCCI made a rule that every player should go and play first-class cricket. So if you don’t follow the rules, then they have to take some action and set an example for others,” Lal said.
The former coach, however, remains optimistic about the comeback of the excluded players, hoping that they can prove their fitness in first-class cricket.
“They have to play (first-class cricket) if they are fit. The main thing is fitness. If they are fit, then they can play the first-class season. But a good season in the IPL can always be beneficial, and there is no doubt about their class. They have done so well here and there. But it is the BCCI making sure that the boys are disciplined,” he added.
Lal further praised the roster strength of India and stressed the importance of young stars like Sarfaraz and Jurel, who led India to a 3-1 lead against England. With the series already decided, England will be seeking redemption in the final Test of the series, scheduled to start on March 7th.
Last Updated on March 1, 2024
