legend Sunil Gavaskar criticises BCCI, takes indirect jibe at Virat Kohli & KL Rahul for skipping Ranji Trophy as he blast others saying….

Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for Skipping Ranji Trophy, Urges BCCI to Enforce Stricter Rule

In the midst of mounting criticism surrounding India’s underwhelming performance in the recent Test series against Australia, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has turned

his attention to two of India’s most prominent players—Virat Kohli and KL Rahul—questioning their absence from Ranji Trophy fixtures due to injury excuses. The issue has stirred a wider debate about the balance between player commitments to domestic cricket and national selection protocols.

As the spotlight turns to the upcoming Ranji Trophy fixtures, both Kohli and Rahul are expected to make their return to domestic cricket after missing several games. However, Gavaskar, one of India’s cricketing legends, has raised eyebrows over their reasons for skipping earlier matches, suggesting that their injury-related absences may not be as genuine as they seem.  The BCCI’s New Rule on Domestic Cricket Participation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently introduced a stringent rule mandating the participation of top players in domestic cricket in order to remain eligible for national selection and retain their contracts. The move aims to connect the national squad with the country’s domestic circuits, ensuring that established stars stay engaged with the grassroots level and, in the process, encourage the growth of emerging talent.

While the policy has been lauded for its intent, it has faced criticism from various quarters, especially when marquee players like Kohli and Rahul are involved. Both have skipped several Ranji Trophy fixtures citing injuries—Kohli with a neck sprain and Rahul with an elbow injury. This has raised questions about the authenticity of these injury claims, especially when the players are seen returning to international cricket without any visible signs of long-term recovery. Gavaskar’s Criticism: A Dig at Kohli and Rahul?

Sunil Gavaskar, who has long been an advocate for discipline in Indian cricket, has taken aim at Kohli and Rahul’s recent absences. He has specifically pointed out that players could easily obtain a medical certificate for their injuries, and questioned whether they had followed the correct procedures for recovery. In an indirect critique, Gavaskar asked, “If they were injured, did they report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for treatment and rehabilitation?”

He also made a pointed observation regarding the BCCI’s lack of action in such situations, adding, “More interesting would be what action the BCCI takes if they don’t play. Were they injured? Getting a medical certificate for an ‘injury’ is child’s play.”

Gavaskar’s comments strike at the heart of an issue that’s been bubbling for some time: whether high-profile players are taking advantage of their stature to avoid domestic commitments without facing any real consequences. The former cricketer’s call for more transparency and accountability is likely to resonate with fans and critics who believe that no player should be exempt from the mandates set by the BCCI, regardless of their international status.

The Importance of Domestic Cricket

The BCCI’s push for players to participate in domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy is not just about fitness or player workload management—it’s also about maintaining the competitive edge and relevance of India’s domestic circuits. Players who are dropped from the national side or recovering from injuries are expected to play in the domestic tournaments as part of their development and to keep in touch with competitive cricket. This also ensures that younger, emerging talent gets the opportunity to play alongside and against some of the biggest names in Indian cricket.

The enforced participation rule is a direct result of the recognition that players, even those at the top of the game, need to remain connected with the grassroots. Domestic cricket serves as the foundation for national success, and the BCCI is pushing to make sure that the connection between the two remains strong.

What Should the BCCI Do Next?

Given the controversy surrounding Kohli and Rahul’s absence, the BCCI now faces a crucial challenge in balancing its policy enforcement with the practical realities of player management. If the board continues to allow star players to skip domestic matches, the credibility of the rule might come into question.

For Gavaskar, the next step is clear: the BCCI must be stricter with its guidelines and enforce the rule consistently across all players. If star players are to skip domestic cricket for injuries, the BCCI should ensure that they are adhering to the recovery protocols set by the National Cricket Academy. Moreover, it would be prudent for the board to explore mechanisms for greater transparency in the way injuries are handled, so that players cannot misuse medical certificates to evade domestic commitments.