sanjeev
khelja|24-01-2025
It looks like certain senior players, including Rohit Sharma, are not entirely invested in domestic cricket the way they approach international matches.
While their presence in domestic tournaments can be seen as a favor to the BCCI to promote the league and encourage younger players, the lack of application in their performances often sends mixed signals.
Rohit's approach against Jammu and Kashmir reflects a mindset more suited to white-ball cricket, where aggression often takes precedence over patience. Such innings can be perceived as disrespectful to the competition and the bowlers who are giving their all to prove themselves.
For younger players, it might feel like a missed opportunity to learn from a senior pro demonstrating adaptability and skill in tough situations.
This casual attitude, if consistent, risks undermining the purpose of senior players' participation in domestic cricket, which is supposed to strengthen the structure and help guide the next generation.
Perhaps stricter accountability or a clearer sense of purpose when playing domestic matches could help ensure senior players approach these games with the same focus and respect they give international cricket.
It's disappointing to see that even someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been touted as the future of Indian cricket and is often associated with discipline and technical finesse, seems to deviate from the traditional Mumbai approach of grinding out innings.
Mumbai cricket has always been synonymous with resilience and "khadoos" batting-staying at the crease, weathering tough spells, and valuing every single run. This shift in approach could be attributed to the growing influence of T20 cricket, where aggression is prioritized over patience and technique.
When players like Jaiswal, who come through the ranks of a system steeped in this tradition, seem more intent on playing big, flashy shots than staying in the middle, it reflects how the modern game is reshaping mindsets.
What's worrying is that this approach, especially in red-ball cricket, doesn't align with the values that have historically brought success to Mumbai and Indian cricket in general.
It's important for players like Jaiswal to understand the responsibility they carry, especially in domestic cricket. These matches are not just a stage to showcase talent but also a place to hone the qualities needed for international success-grit, adaptability, and the ability to anchor an innings.
While flamboyance is an asset, knowing when to curb it and focus on building a solid innings is equally vital, especially in red-ball cricket. The facade of technique without the intent to grind does little justice to Mumbai's legacy.
It seems like this trend is becoming more pronounced among some of the top players, including Shreyas Iyer. While his ability to start aggressively and dominate bowlers is undoubtedly a strength, his tendency to get carried away, especially in red-ball cricket, reveals a lack of temperament and discipline that's crucial in the longer format.
The over-reliance on lofted shots and his vulnerability to getting caught on the crease without proper footwork indicate technical and mental lapses.
For someone of Iyer's caliber, who has the potential to be a cornerstone in the middle order, this lack of adaptability can be frustrating. It's one thing to show aggression, but doing so without assessing the game situation or respecting the conditions often results in throwing away starts.
The issue isn't just about individual performances; it's about the message it sends to upcoming cricketers. Domestic cricket is meant to build the patience, temperament, and technical finesse required for Test cricket.
When senior players approach these matches with a cavalier attitude, it risks diluting the values that have historically defined Indian cricket, particularly in traditional powerhouses like Mumbai.
It's time for these players, including IPL star Shivam Dube, to balance their natural flair with the demands of the format. A more measured approach would not only benefit their own careers but also uphold the standards of domestic cricket and inspire younger players to value the art of batting long and steady.