Ranji Trophy has become rigorous for players, with cricketers having to play 10 matches with 3-days gap. Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has now opened up about the matter, saying the BCCI will have to look at the Ranji Trophy schedule next year to ensure the players are properly rested, claiming the current format will lead to a lot of injuries for players.
Shardul on Sunday shone with a brilliant century to bring Mumbai out of a tricky situation in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Tamil Nadu. The Indian all-rounder’s team was reeling at 106/7 at one point of time. However, Shardul played a fantastic knock to help Mumbai gain a big first innings lead of 207 against Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Shardul also addressed the concerns about the congested Ranji Trophy schedule. “It’s difficult because we are playing first-class games in (a) three days’ gap — that has never happened in Ranji Trophy season ever. You know the schedule is becoming tighter and tighter. If boys keep playing like this for two more seasons, there will be lot of injuries across the country. Next year, they (the BCCI) have to re-look at it and give more break,” Shardul said.
It is extremely tough: Shardul
Shardul also compared the Ranji Trophy schedules a few years ago to the schedules of present day.
“When I remember playing Ranji Trophy back in the days, good 7-8 years back, (the) first three games used to have (a) three-day break and then it was (a) four-day break and knockouts were played on five-day breaks. Now this year, we have seen that all the games have been played on (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-days gap if (a) team makes it to the finals,” Shardul said.
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