Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] On Tuesday, March 5, Sachin Tendulkar shared his insights on the significance of the Ranji Trophy, emphasizing its role in maintaining cricketing fundamentals. He recalled his own experiences playing for Mumbai, stressing how his participation not only inspired younger teammates but also provided an invaluable platform for honing skills, especially when international cricketers might feel out of touch.
Tendulkar’s reflections followed the absence of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the ongoing Ranji Trophy, amid speculations about their international careers after being overlooked for BCCI’s annual contracts.
Tendulkar praised the BCCI’s commitment to domestic cricket, considering it a cornerstone of India’s cricketing framework. He noted the mutual benefits when national players engage in domestic matches, enhancing the standard and exposing emerging talents.
“Throughout my career, I remained passionate about playing for Mumbai whenever I had the opportunity. Growing up, we had almost 7-8 India players in our dressing room, and it was fun to play alongside them. When India players turn up for their domestic teams, it raises the quality of play for youngsters and sometimes new talent is identified. It also gives the national players a chance to sometimes rediscover the basics,” Tendulkar shared. “With top notch players participating in domestic tournaments, over a period of time, fans will also start following and supporting their domestic teams much more. Wonderful to see @BCCI give equal priority to domestic cricket.”
His comments were made in the context of Mumbai’s recent victory over Tamil Nadu, securing a spot in the Ranji Trophy finals, and the anticipation around the other finalist being determined between Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh.
He lauded the competitive spirit of the Ranji semi-finals and the suspenseful climax awaiting in one of the matches, demonstrating the tournament’s high stakes and excitement.
“The Ranji Trophy semi-finals have been riveting! @MumbaiCricAssoc’s march into the finals was aided by a brilliant batting recovery, while the other semi-final hangs in the balance going into the last day – Madhya Pradesh need 90+ runs to win, Vidarbha need 4 wickets,” Sachin wrote.