2024-03-02 04:35:28
New Delhi: Sourav Ganguly has worked for the development of Indian cricket as both Team India captain and administrator during his three-year tenure as BCCI President. Now working with young Indian players as director of cricket for Delhi Capitals, Ganguly spoke to TOI about the importance of red ball cricket for the development of players.
The questions and answers given by him were as follows-
Question- After BCCI removed Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the central contracts, the focus has shifted to first-class cricket?
Sourav Ganguly- I think this is the first time that someone has not played red-ball domestic cricket or has ignored it. Otherwise, all of them have played Ranji Trophy when they are free. I am sure BCCI will take appropriate action.
Found a way, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan can still get such central contracts
Question– Perhaps the younger generation feels that it is important to focus on white ball cricket for a good IPL career. Obviously, not many people get a chance to play Test cricket for India…
Sourav Ganguly- They can play both red ball and white ball cricket. IPL career can also be built along with first-class cricket. They don’t clash. First-class cricket ends and then it takes about a month for the IPL to start. I don’t see any problem. Many top quality players play Test cricket and white ball cricket. You look at Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
Question- How much importance is given to Ranji Trophy performance in IPL franchises?
Sourav Ganguly- You all see. I am not saying that you should only look at Ranji performances. You look at white ball bowling and then Ranji Trophy bowling. What happens is that Ranji Trophy lasts for two months and if you opt out of the Ranji Trophy season and finish your final season in the month of November or early December, you are playing next April. There is too much time between game times.