IND vs NZ: Ravi Shastri, Zaheer Khan Share Their Views On Whether It Is Important For Indian Players To Play Overseas Franchise Leagues

Former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri and former India National Cricket Team left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan have shared their perspectives on whether it is important for the Indian players to take part in the overseas franchise leagues.

Following India’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, several cricket pundits suggested that the Indian players should participate in overseas franchise leagues like BBL and The Hundred to get more experience of the different conditions and they also opined that the Indian players are falling behind due to their overdependence on the marquee Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Shastri shared his take on this matter, saying that there is no need for the Indian players to participate in the overseas franchise leagues and they are fine participating in the Indian Premier League, domestic cricket as well as India A tours.

He said: “There is enough domestic cricket for all these players to get absorbed in the system and get an opportunity. Plus, you get these India A tours. You get a lot of these other tours when at one given time you might have two Indian teams playing in the future.

“They are absolutely fine playing IPL cricket and focusing on domestic cricket. We need them to play domestic cricket in India as well.”

Ravi Shastri further agreed with VVS Laxman’s suggestion that the T20 format will see more specialist players going forward.

Shastri stated: “I think that’s the way forward. VVS is right. They will identify specialists, especially with youngsters. Going forward, that should be the mantra. Identify (players) and make that Indian team into a terrific fielding side.

“And, of course, identify roles for these youngsters, who could be fearless and go out there and play that kind of cricket without any baggage whatsoever.”

I don’t see any other reason right now for players to go and play in a particular tournament – Zaheer Khan

Former India National Cricket Team left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan, while sharing his take on the much-debated matter, asserted that the BCCI have a good system in place and there is no need for the Indian players to take part in overseas franchise leagues.

He asserted: “You have seen with BCCI, with their shadow tours, I think the process is well in place. I don’t see any other reason right now for players to go and play in a particular tournament. What you have right now – domestic cricket – is also a robust structure. Why depend on others? We have more than enough means for producing good players.

“You look at our bench strength as well. That’s a classic example of seeing things. You can play virtually three line-ups and they will be able to compete at any level. We should focus on our country rather than looking outside.”

Zaheer Khan further talked about India’s bowling combination for the India tour of New Zealand in 2022.

He said: “There is definitely going to be four-seam options I think, looking at the conditions and over the years whatever we have seen in New Zealand conditions. Most of the pitches will assist fast bowling and that should be the base thought process.

“I think the youngster Umran, it will be a good exposure for him. Looking at the conditions and how it can groom you as a bowler, Umran is someone who has got a great opportunity through this tour.”

The India tour of New Zealand 2022, which consists of a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series, will kick off on Friday, November 18, with a T20I game between the Hardik Pandya-led side and the Kane Williamson & Co. at the Sky Stadium, Wellington.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “If Rohit Sharma Is Already Leading In Tests And ODIs, There Is No Harm In Identifying A New T20I Captain And If His Name Is Hardik Pandya” – Ravi Shastri