Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently made headlines with bold claims regarding the treatment of star players in the Indian cricket team, specifically Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ahead of the Kanpur Test, Manjrekar voiced his concerns about the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) preferential treatment towards these players, arguing that it undermines the overall team dynamics and is detrimental to Indian cricket.
Concerns Over Special Treatment
During a discussion on Cricinfo, Manjrekar highlighted the absence of Kohli and Sharma from the Duleep Trophy, a significant domestic tournament. He stated that their lack of participation is not only harmful to their own performance but also to Indian cricket as a whole. Manjrekar underscored the need for players, regardless of their stature, to engage in domestic matches to maintain form and competitiveness. He remarked that had both players participated, their performance in the recently concluded Chennai Test might have shown improvement.
Past Performance and Accountability
Manjrekar did not shy away from addressing the poor showings of both players in the Chennai Test, where Kohli and Sharma returned disappointing scores—6 and 17 runs for Kohli and 6 and 5 runs for Sharma, respectively. This draw attention to the obvious gap in their match readiness due to an extended break from red-ball cricket. In contrast, Jasprit Bumrah, who recently returned to Test cricket after a similar hiatus, excelled by taking five wickets, suggesting that regular play in domestic matches can significantly impact performance levels.
A Deeper Look at BCCI’s Policies
Manjrekar directed his criticism squarely at the BCCI, insisting that the board must reevaluate its policies regarding player participation. He stated that there is a long-standing issue within Indian cricket, where certain players receive preferential treatment based on their reputation, which can paradoxically hinder their development and the team’s overall success. He emphasized that decisions regarding player rest and participation should prioritize the betterment of the entire cricketing ecosystem in India.
Implications for Team India
The Duleep Trophy is not merely a tournament; it serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and maintain form, especially for those vying for a spot in the national squad. Notable players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant participated, and Manjrekar argued that all players should be held to the same standards, fostering a competitive environment conducive to growth. By allowing star players to skip domestic matches, the BCCI risks creating a divide, which could impact team coherence in high-stakes international fixtures.
Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Treatment
As Indian cricket continues to evolve, it is imperative for the BCCI to implement policies that support equitable treatment of all players. Manjrekar’s remarks serve as a crucial reminder that success in international cricket is built on a foundation of consistent play and development, not just elite status. Moving forward, it will be essential for the board to reassess its strategies to ensure that all players, regardless of their past accolades, remain engaged and prepared to contribute effectively to the team’s success.
