In the recently concluded Chennai Test against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s cricketing icons, had lackluster performances, leading to scrutiny over their decision to skip the Duleep Trophy. Rohit scored just 11 runs, while Kohli managed a modest 23 runs in the match. Despite their ordinary outings, India secured a convincing 280-run victory. Several other top Indian players, including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, participated in the Duleep Trophy – a four-day red-ball tournament – as preparation for a demanding Test season ahead.
Notably, stalwarts such as Rohit, Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja (withdrawn), Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj chose to sit out the Duleep Trophy. India is scheduled to host New Zealand for three Tests, followed by five Tests in Australia, which will play a crucial role in determining their place in the World Test Championship final.
In 2023, Rohit Sharma accumulated 466 runs from 13 innings at an average of 38.83, while Virat Kohli managed just 81 runs from four innings. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar weighed in on the matter, suggesting that these senior players are receiving “special treatment”.
“I’m not concerned, but it’s clear they would have benefitted from some red-ball cricket. They could have been included in the Duleep Trophy. It’s essential to ensure that all players, regardless of stature, are treated equally, for the good of Indian cricket and the players themselves,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.
Manjrekar also mentioned that had Rohit and Kohli participated in the Duleep Trophy, their form in Test cricket might have been better. However, he expressed confidence that the two experienced batters can bounce back in the upcoming second Test, scheduled to start on Friday in Kanpur.
“Virat and Rohit skipping the Duleep Trophy wasn’t beneficial for Indian cricket, nor for them. Time in red-ball cricket would have made a difference. However, given their class and experience, I expect them to recover in the series and find form,” he added.
Manjrekar concluded by highlighting the issue of preferential treatment in Indian cricket. “Indian cricket has struggled with this for some time – certain players receiving special treatment due to their status. This, in the end, harms the player more than anyone else.
