Withdrawal from Duleep Trophy: Kohli, Rohit, and Others Face Criticism After New Zealand Series
The impact of the players' absence was felt during the series, as those who participated in the Duleep Trophy, such as Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rishabh Pant, performed better than their more experienced counterparts.
India's disappointing performance in the recent Test series against New Zealand has reignited discussions about player preparation and match readiness. Following the embarrassing 0-3 series loss, questions have emerged regarding the participation of star players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah in the Duleep Trophy, a domestic tournament that could have provided them with vital match practice.
Despite initial agreements to participate in the Duleep Trophy, the quartet ultimately withdrew, citing "lack of motivation." This decision has drawn criticism from former cricketers and analysts, who believe that their absence from the tournament contributed significantly to the team’s struggles against the New Zealand spinners.
Reports indicate that the selectors had made arrangements for Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin, and Bumrah to feature in the Duleep Trophy, held from September 5 to 22 in Bengaluru and Anantapur. Their withdrawal was disappointing for many, as the tournament offered an opportunity for players to get acclimated to the conditions ahead of the New Zealand Tests. Notably, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the importance of match practice, especially after India's convincing victory over Bangladesh prior to the New Zealand series. "They should have had some practice, definitely. It’s a long gap... But New Zealand, obviously, had a better attack," he noted.
The impact of the players' absence was felt during the series, as those who participated in the Duleep Trophy, such as Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rishabh Pant, performed better than their more experienced counterparts. While Ravindra Jadeja did make a mark with a ten-wicket haul in the Mumbai Test, the performances of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin were notably underwhelming, with both Kohli and Rohit facing criticism for their lack of runs.
As the team now looks ahead to future series, including the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the importance of preparation and participation in domestic competitions has never been clearer. The fallout from the New Zealand series serves as a reminder for players and selectors alike about the significance of maintaining match fitness and readiness.
