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In a decisive move to address India’s recent poor performances, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a strict policy mandating senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to participate in domestic cricket. This comes after the team’s dismal showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India suffered a crushing 1-3 defeat against Australia.
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High-Stakes Review Meeting in Mumbai
On January 12, key stakeholders gathered at BCCI headquarters to conduct a review. Attendees included:
- Rohit Sharma (India captain)
- Gautam Gambhir (Head coach)
- Ajit Agarkar (Chairman of selectors)
- Roger Binny (BCCI president)
- Rajeev Shukla (Vice president)
- Devjit Saikia (Joint secretary)
Domestic Cricket Participation Now Compulsory
Following the review, the BCCI declared that all centrally contracted players must actively participate in domestic cricket tournaments to maintain match fitness and improve performance. Exemptions will be granted only in cases of injury or workload management, subject to:
- Approval from both Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar
- Detailed reports from team physiotherapists
The directive is seen as a firm step toward ensuring senior players stay grounded in domestic circuits and gain valuable match practice.
Rohit and Kohli Under Fire
The poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli was a key discussion point. During the recent tour of Australia, Rohit scored just 31 runs in five innings, even opting out of the final Test due to performance concerns. Kohli, despite scoring a century in Perth, managed only 190 runs in nine innings, struggling repeatedly against deliveries outside off stump.
Their prolonged absence from domestic cricket was also highlighted. Rohit last played a Ranji Trophy match in 2015, while Kohli’s last appearance was in 2012. The lack of domestic match practice has drawn criticism amid growing doubts over their place in India’s future Test squad.
Test Future in Doubt?
India’s next Test series against England in June 2025 has fueled speculation over whether Rohit and Kohli will retain their spots. The BCCI has tasked Gambhir and selectors with finding immediate solutions as India strives to regain its competitive edge.
Mounting Pressure on Gambhir’s Coaching Tenure
Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has had a rocky start. India suffered defeats in:
- An ODI series against Sri Lanka
- A home Test whitewash by New Zealand
- A historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia
Additionally, India failed to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time since its inception.
With growing scrutiny over leadership and team management, the BCCI’s mandate for domestic cricket participation signals a critical turning point in efforts to revive Indian cricket’s fortunes.
