The BCCI revoked Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s central contracts. The aforementioned individuals were among the prominent absentees from the list released by the Indian board on Wednesday, February 28.
In response, former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly said that Iyer and Kishan’s unwillingness to play local cricket may have contributed to the current developments.
Ganguly said that all Indian players should prioritize first-class cricket in an interview with Revsportz.
“I think the BCCI wants them (Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan) to play first-class cricket. I’m surprised why Shreyas Iyer hasn’t played Ranji Trophy. It’s a premier tournament, Ranji Trophy, and you’re supposed to play.”
Sourav Ganguly
He added:
“So, it’s a decision by the BCCI, and what they thought [was] right, they’ve done it. But players must play first-class cricket. That’s the basic basis of cricket in this country.”
Sourav Ganguly
While Shreyas Iyer has been picked to Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2024 semifinal against Tamil Nadu, Ishan Kishan is competing in the present DY Patil T20 Cup in Mumbai.
Sourav Ganguly expressed astonishment that Kishan was skipping Ranji Trophy matches, adding:
“That’s wrong. You’re supposed to play first-class cricket. It’s a premier tournament of your country and you’re a contracted player. Once you’re a contracted player, you’re expected to play. Shreyas Iyer is playing the semifinal for Bombay in a couple of days time. Ishan Kishan has surprised me. He was a part of the Indian team in all formats, Test cricket, 50-over cricket, such a big contract in IPL, so I don’t know why he has done that.”
Sourav Ganguly
Kishan hasn’t been a part of the national squad since excusing himself from the Test series in South Africa, attributing it to mental exhaustion. Conversely, Iyer, had a presence in the initial two Tests of the current five-game home run against England, but was resulted into being sidelined for the remaining three matches.
“I made him the captain because I saw the talent in him” – Sourav Ganguly on Rohit Sharma’s leadership
Sourav Ganguly admires the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Sharma has done an excellent job at the helm of the Indian cricket team since succeeding Virat Kohli in team captaincy.
Ganguly expressed confidence in Sharma’s leadership ability when discussing his time as captain. He stated:
“He’s (Rohit Sharma) a fantastic captain. Look at the way he captained in the World Cup, taking India to the finals, and I think India was the best team in the competition till they lost the final. He’s a good captain, IPL trophies, I’m not surprised with the way he led.”
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly added:
“He became the captain when I was the president, and I’m not surprised with the way he’s led the team. I made him the captain because I saw the talent in him.”
Sourav Ganguly
Following a painful 28-run loss in Hyderabad, India has staged a dramatic comeback in the England Test series, winning three straight to take an unassailable 3-1 lead with one match remaining.