Discover the Indian Cricket Board’s strategic decision to rest key players, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, before their full return in September for the Bangladesh tour. Get insights into team selections, upcoming series, and the appointment of new support staff.
In a strategic move to keep their top players fresh and ready for an intense cricket season ahead, the Indian Cricket Board has decided to rest the captain of the T20 World Cup winning team, along with two senior players, before a full season in September. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will sit out the upcoming Sri Lanka tour later this month. This decision comes as the Indian team gears up for a challenging home series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19, followed by a series of matches against New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
About BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the governing body for cricket in India and is one of the most powerful and influential cricketing organizations in the world. It is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game in India, including the national teams, domestic competitions, and international relations. Here’s an overview of BCCI and its importance in the world of cricket.
History and Formation
The BCCI was founded in 1928 as a result of the need for a central body to control cricket in India. Prior to its formation, cricket in India was administered by various regional organizations. The formation of the BCCI consolidated control over the sport under one umbrella, allowing for more unified governance and better coordination of international tours, domestic cricket, and development programs.
- Founder Members: The BCCI was formed by the representatives of various regional cricket associations, including the Bombay Cricket Association, the Madras Cricket Association, and the Northern India Cricket Association.
- Incorporation: It was incorporated as a private club under the Companies Act, 1956.
- Headquarters: The BCCI’s headquarters is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Role and Responsibilities
The BCCI plays a pivotal role in all aspects of Indian cricket, both domestically and internationally. Its main responsibilities include:
- Regulating Domestic Cricket:
The BCCI organizes several domestic tournaments, including:- Ranji Trophy (First-class cricket)
- Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A cricket)
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20 cricket)
- Indian Premier League (IPL) (T20 league)
- Overseeing the National Teams:
BCCI is responsible for managing the Indian national cricket teams (both men’s and women’s) for all formats of the game — Test, ODI, and T20. It selects the team, appoints captains and coaches, and ensures the team is well-prepared for international competitions. - International Relations:
The BCCI represents India in the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). It plays a key role in negotiating India’s participation in international tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and ICC World Test Championship. - Development of Cricket:
The BCCI also focuses on grassroots cricket development, coaching programs, and infrastructure enhancement to ensure the growth of the sport across the country. - Revenue Generation:
One of the most important functions of the BCCI is generating revenue, especially through broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The IPL, in particular, has made the BCCI one of the wealthiest cricketing boards in the world.
Key Tournaments Organized by the BCCI
- Indian Premier League (IPL):
The IPL is the flagship T20 cricket league of India and one of the most-watched sporting leagues globally. Established in 2008, the IPL has revolutionized the business of cricket by combining entertainment with high-level competition. The tournament attracts top international and Indian cricketers, corporate sponsorship, and massive television rights deals. - Ranji Trophy:
The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class cricket competition. It has been a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing cricketing talent across the country. Many legendary Indian cricketers have played in the Ranji Trophy before making it to the national team. - Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is a List A (50-over format) tournament, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a domestic T20 competition. Both tournaments serve as important avenues for domestic players to showcase their talent and potentially earn a spot in the national team. - Women’s Cricket:
The BCCI has also been instrumental in promoting women’s cricket in India. It manages the Women’s National Cricket Team and has implemented domestic women’s cricket tournaments like the Women’s T20 Challenge and the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy.
Influence in World Cricket
The BCCI is not only a dominant force in Indian cricket but also plays a key role in shaping the future of international cricket. With its vast financial resources, the BCCI wields significant influence within the International Cricket Council (ICC). India’s massive fanbase, commercial potential, and success on the field make the BCCI one of the most powerful cricket boards in the world.
- Financial Power: The BCCI’s financial strength comes from various revenue streams, including media rights deals, sponsorships, ticket sales, and its involvement in global cricket events. India’s role as a major market for broadcasting and sponsorship deals has made the BCCI an influential entity.
- Governance and Leadership: The BCCI’s leadership is often involved in major decision-making at the ICC level. For example, India’s preferences often shape the scheduling and format of international tournaments. The BCCI has also been instrumental in establishing the ICC World Twenty20 and pushing for the inclusion of more global competitions.
Controversies and Criticism
Despite its enormous success and influence, the BCCI has faced its fair share of controversies, primarily related to issues such as:
- Corruption and Match-Fixing: The IPL, in particular, has been embroiled in allegations of corruption and match-fixing scandals in the past, leading to suspensions of franchises and players.
- Conflict of Interest: The BCCI has been criticized for certain conflicts of interest, including cases where key officials or former cricketers are involved in administrative roles while still being connected to specific teams or businesses.
- Governance Issues: The BCCI’s internal governance structure has been questioned, particularly regarding its lack of transparency and accountability. Reforms were suggested by the Lodha Committee in 2016 to improve governance, but these have been slow to implement.
Leadership and Structure
The BCCI is led by an elected president, and its structure includes various committees that oversee specific aspects of the game. It also has an executive council responsible for the day-to-day operations. The current president of the BCCI is Roger Binny, who succeeded Sourav Ganguly in 2022. The BCCI also appoints national selectors, coaches, and support staff for the Indian teams.
Conclusion
The BCCI stands as a pillar of Indian cricket, with its far-reaching influence both on and off the field. From managing domestic tournaments and the national team to shaping the future of world cricket, the board has played an instrumental role in transforming cricket into a multi-billion-dollar global sport. Its continued growth and influence will shape the future of the game in India and around the world for years to come.
The Decision to Rest Key Players
The Indian cricket board wants the captain of the T20 World Cup winning team and the other two seniors to take some more rest before returning for a full season in September when Bangladesh travels to India for two Tests and three T20Is starting on September 19.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20Is after the recent World Cup.
- Jasprit Bumrah has decided to continue playing T20Is for the country.
- The selection committee will meet next week to pick the team for the Sri Lanka tour.
Upcoming Sri Lanka Tour
The tour of Sri Lanka, which features three ODIs and as many T20Is, is scheduled from July 27 to August 7. Given the recent retirements and rest periods, this tour will see a younger and possibly less experienced Indian squad.
Detailed Player Rest Strategy
Why Rest the Seniors?
Senior players can take some rest and get ready for the full cricket season ahead. This approach ensures they are in peak condition for critical matches against top teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
- Preventing Injuries: Rest periods help reduce the risk of injuries, especially for players like Bumrah who have a history of injuries.
- Maintaining Peak Performance: Resting senior players allows them to maintain their performance levels throughout a grueling season.
- Opportunity for New Players: It provides an opportunity for younger players to step up and gain valuable international experience.
What’s Next for Sharma, Kohli, and Bumrah?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been offered rest and will join the team for the Test matches against Bangladesh in September. This strategic rest period is expected to rejuvenate these key players, ensuring they are in top form for the crucial home series.
The Bangladesh Tour: A Significant Test
Schedule and Matches
Bangladesh travels to India for two Tests and three T20Is starting on September 19. This series will mark the return of the rested senior players and is expected to be a highly competitive affair.
- Test Matches: Two Tests will be critical for India’s standing in the World Test Championship.
- T20 Internationals: The three T20Is will be a test of the new, younger squad members who will have just returned from the Sri Lanka tour.
Key Players to Watch
- Rohit Sharma: Returning as captain, his leadership and batting prowess will be crucial.
- Virat Kohli: Even after retiring from T20Is, his experience and form in Test cricket are invaluable.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His return to the squad will bolster India’s bowling attack.
Post-Bangladesh Series Plans
Home Series Against New Zealand
After the Bangladesh series, the Indian team will host New Zealand from October 16 to November 5 for three Tests. This series will be another vital part of India’s cricket calendar, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
South Africa and Australia Tours
Following the New Zealand series, India will fly to South Africa to play four T20Is between November 8 and 15, and then head to Australia for a five-match Test series starting on November 22. These tours will test the team’s resilience and adaptability in different conditions.
BCCI’s Call for New Support Staff
End of Current Tenures
The Indian board will soon invite applications for the team’s support staff as the tenures of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip ended after the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
New Head Coach Appointment
The board’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has already interviewed two candidates – Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman – for the post of head coach. Gautam Gambhir is expected to take up the role, with the announcement delayed due to final stages of salary negotiation.
Gambhir’s Free Hand in Staff Selection
It is learnt that the board will give Gambhir a free hand to choose his support staff. Whether the Indian team will have a batting coach going ahead is not clear, as Gambhir himself has been a successful opening batsman across formats.
FAQs
Why are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli resting?
The Indian cricket board wants the captain of the T20 World Cup winning team and the other two seniors to take some more rest before returning for a full season in September when Bangladesh travels to India for two Tests and three T20Is starting on September 19.
What is the schedule for the Sri Lanka tour?
The Sri Lanka tour features three ODIs and as many T20Is, from July 27 to August 7.
Will Bumrah continue playing T20Is?
Yes, Jasprit Bumrah has said that he will continue playing the T20 format for the country.
Who is the new head coach of the Indian cricket team?
The board’s Cricket Advisory Committee has interviewed Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman. Gautam Gambhir is expected to take up the role, with an official announcement pending.
What are the upcoming series after the Bangladesh tour?
- New Zealand: Three Tests from October 16 to November 5.
- South Africa: Four T20Is from November 8 to 15.
- Australia: Five-match Test series starting on November 22.
Conclusion
The Indian cricket board’s decision to rest key players before a demanding season reflects their strategic planning and focus on maintaining peak performance. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah’s rest period will be pivotal in ensuring they are fit and ready for the challenges ahead, starting with the Bangladesh tour in September. The appointment of new support staff and a head coach further indicates the board’s commitment to preparing a robust team for future successes. As fans eagerly await the return of their favorite players, the upcoming cricket season promises to be thrilling and full of intense cricketing action.
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