Gavaskar warns Ranji Trophy stars are being overlooked
Sunil Gavaskar has raised a steady, clear alarm about the way some standout performers in the Ranji Trophy are slipping under the radar. He pointed to players such as Ravichandran Smaran, Ayush Doseja, Mayank Mishra and several others who have delivered strong domestic seasons but are not getting the public or selector attention they deserve.
What Gavaskar is saying
Gavaskar’s point is straightforward: the Ranji Trophy still produces the backbone of India’s cricket strength, but many performers are not getting enough visibility. Without that attention, these players risk missing chances to move up — into India A, IPL contracts or even national selection.
Why these players deserve more attention
- Consistent domestic performances: The Ranji Trophy remains the key platform for players to show long-form skills and temperament.
- Unpolished talent: Many names making runs or taking wickets in Ranji are ready for the next level if given proper exposure.
- Depth for India: A healthy pipeline of domestic stars keeps the national team competitive and prepared for injuries or form drops.
Reasons for the lack of attention
Gavaskar pointed to several factors that have made it harder for domestic performers to get noticed:
- Broadcast and media focus: Limited coverage for many Ranji games means fewer highlights and fewer stories about emerging players.
- IPL and white-ball emphasis: With the spotlight on T20 leagues, strong red-ball performers can be overlooked unless they also shine in shorter formats.
- Selector workload and visibility: Selectors and national staff may prioritize players already in the system or those who have been part of recent India A tours.
- Regional visibility: Players from smaller states or less-prominent teams often struggle to break through the media clutter.
Why Ranji Trophy still matters
Despite the media noise around T20 cricket, the Ranji Trophy remains the best testing ground for technique, patience and game-reading — qualities essential for Test cricket and long-term success. Gavaskar’s point is a reminder that ignoring this competition weakens the wider cricketing ecosystem.
How attention can be improved
There are practical steps that could help give players like Smaran, Doseja and Mishra the platform they need:
- Better coverage: Broader live streaming and highlight packages for more Ranji matches would naturally raise awareness.
- More India A chances: Rewarding top Ranji performers with India A selection gives them the international pathway they deserve.
- Selector engagement: Regular presence of national selectors at key domestic fixtures ensures timely identification of talent.
- Media stories and profiles: Feature pieces on domestic achievers help fans and franchises spot consistent performers.
Final thought
Gavaskar’s call is simple and urgent: value the Ranji Trophy and the players who excel there. If India wants a deep, reliable pool of talent, the system — from media to selectors to franchises — must pay attention to domestic stars before they become household names. Recognising them early benefits the players, teams and the long-term health of Indian cricket.