The Decline of Red-Ball Commitment: India’s Test Stars and Domestic Cricket

The decline of Indian cricket in the biggest format has raised serious concerns, especially after the team’s recent failures. Australia’s delivery of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), coupled with a historic shield against New Zealand, has highlighted a glaring issue: the lack of practice in the red-ball game among India’s stars.

The numbers don’t lie

• 
  Virat Kohlione of India’s leading batsmen, last played a Ranji Trophy game in 2012.
• 
  Rohit Sharma he has not featured in domestic red-ball cricket for nine years.
• In the last four years, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Sirajand KL Rahul they have collectively played only four major format domestic games.

This lack of domestic involvement by India’s Test players has been reflected in their recent performances, with poor shot selection, reduced bowling pace and a distinct lack of Test temperament.

Recent setbacks

Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India lost the BGT at home after a decade and missed the final of the World Test Championship. These results led to calls for a cultural change in Indian cricket to restore its dominance of the red ball.

The Call for Change

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for Test players. He called for more involvement in the Ranji Trophy, stating: “If you don’t play these matches, we have to question your commitment.”

Former player Irfan Pathan echoed this sentiment, arguing for a “cultural shift” and noting how legends such as Sahin Tendulkar he was consistently playing domestic cricket to stay match fit.

Red ball rust symptoms

BGT’s recent loss to Australia revealed clear signs of rust among India’s Test players:

• 
  Rishabh pants they fell victim to mindless strokes.
• 
  Virat Kohli he repeatedly pushed balls outside the off stump.
• Bowlers like it Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana he struggled to maintain the pace and intensity.
• The batsmen lacked the patience required for long innings, with most failing to face 100 deliveries in crucial matches.

In stark contrast, the players like it Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid they have historically absorbed hundreds of deliveries, anchoring India’s most memorable Test victories.

The IPL conundrum

The glamor of the IPL has further contributed to the decline in participation in red ball cricket. Despite the former BCCI Secretary’s warning Jay Shah on priority in domestic cricket, big Test stars have avoided Ranji matches without facing sanctions. Meanwhile, mid-range players like it Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been punished, losing their central contracts.

A road ahead

Domestic cricket is not just a proving ground for upcoming talent. is a vital preparatory arena for experienced Test players. As one member of team management noted, “Switching from the red ball to the white ball is easy, but when it’s the other way around, it’s a challenge. Frequent Ranji games keep the players on pace.”

Restoring India’s Test dominance requires more than talent. requires commitment. A cultural shift towards embracing domestic cricket is necessary to rekindle the grit and patience needed in the longer term.

The onus is now on the players, selectors and the BCCI to ensure that India’s Test cricket does not remain a shadow of its glorious past.