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On Monday, February 12, many reports emerged wherein the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wanted the Indian players to prioritise the Ranji Trophy ahead of the IPL. As per the sources, the BCCI will communicate with all the Indian players to play for their state teams in the Ranji Trophy if they are not on national duty.
The BCCI are not too happy with certain players preparing for the upcoming season of the IPL instead of playing in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. This happened after reports came out in regards to Ishan Kishan's training for the IPL after he had made himself unavailable for national selection a couple of months ago, complaining of mental fatigue.
The Times of India source in the BCCI said, “In the next few days, all the players will be communicated by the BCCI to play for their state team in the Ranji Trophy, as long as they are not on national duty, with only those who are unfit and recovering at the NCA being granted an exemption. The Board isn't too happy with certain players already in IPL mode from January.”
With the third Test of the five-match series set to be played in just three days at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, the Indian team management is looking at Dhruv Jurel as the potential replacement for the under-firing KS Bharat against England. The key decision makers for Team India are reportedly running out of patience with KS Bharat, who hasn’t given any performance of real substance in his seven Test matches since making his debut.
“Bharat's batting has been well below-par, while his 'keeping hasn't been great either. He isn't making use of his chances. Jurel, on the other hand, is talented, has a good attitude and has a bright future. He has done well for Uttar Pradesh, India A and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Don't be surprised if Jurel makes his Test debut at Rajkot,” the TOI source said.
