Following India’s recent 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the Ranji Trophy to gain essential match practice ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia. Kaif believes that domestic cricket could be the perfect platform for the two batting icons to rediscover their form, especially with the BGT opener set to take place in Perth on November 22.
In a video shared on social media, Kaif emphasized the importance of spending time in the middle and building form through domestic matches. With both Kohli and Sharma having struggled in Test cricket recently, Kaif suggested that the Ranji Trophy would provide them with the necessary conditions to face challenging situations and bat for long hours, which is crucial for regaining confidence and form.
Kaif pointed out that a solid performance in the domestic circuit could give Kohli and Sharma the much-needed morale boost, especially if they manage to score big centuries. “They need form, and they need to bat for hours. If they end up scoring a hundred, then it will benefit them immensely and serve as a morale booster,” Kaif said.
Kaif also referred to the example of Rishabh Pant during India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia. Pant, who was not included in India’s limited-overs squads at the time, played a practice match in Sydney ahead of the second Test, where he scored a quick century. This knock earned him a spot in the playing XI, and Pant went on to play a match-winning role in the final Test at Brisbane, scoring an iconic 89* and helping India clinch the series 2-1. Kaif highlighted that Pant’s transformation into a key player came after that preparatory game, making it a crucial part of his successful comeback.
The former cricketer's advice comes at a time when the form of India's senior players, particularly Kohli, has been under scrutiny. Kohli has faced difficulties in red-ball cricket this year, and Kaif’s recommendation to play in the Ranji Trophy aims to provide the much-needed match fitness and confidence before the intense BGT series against Australia.
