IND vs NZ: "If An Opportunity Arises, Then We Would Certainly Look At It" - Rahul Dravid Discusses The Prospect Of Players Competing In The Ranji Trophy

Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Team India, said that the management would want to have national team players participate in the Ranji Trophy semifinals. However, he noted that it would be challenging to do so because the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia would shortly begin to prepare.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins play on February 9, while the Ranji Trophy’s quarterfinals get off on January 31. However, the Indian squad will get together for a weeklong training camp before to the Test series versus Australia.

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We Would Like The Boys To Play Ranji Trophy Games As And When Possible: Rahul Dravid

In a press conference on Monday, January 23, Rahul Dravid was asked if there was a potential that any of India’s Test players would play in the Ranji Trophy semifinals before the third ODI match against New Zealand. He answered:

“We would like the boys to play Ranji Trophy games as and when possible. But, it is a tough one for us. The quarterfinal is on the 31st and our build-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is exactly at the same time.

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“As and when the series starts, if an opportunity arises where someone is not playing in our team and he is required for a semi-final or a final, then we would certainly look at it.”

From February 8 to February 12, the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy will be contested, and from February 16 to 20, the final.

India has the opportunity to test out some of the bench strength as they have already won the ODI series. In place of the hurt Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar is yet to play for India.

Rajat Patidar First In Queue If There’s Injury Or Some Other Issues: Rahul Dravid

On Tuesday, January 24, the third one-day international versus New Zealand will be played at his home field in Indore. Rahul Dravid made a suggestion that Patidar could have to wait for his chance.

When asked if the Madhya Pradesh batter had a chance to make his debut, Dravid responded:

“I can’t announce the playing XI. All I can say is Rajat Patidar has done very well in Ranji Trophy and one-day cricket. There are players who have been with the team before. There are some who haven’t played a lot of ODIs in the last two years. They need to get their chances first. If there’s an injury or some other issues, he’s (Patidar) first in the queue.”

The head coach discussed during the conversation how the BCCI and team management intend to control the player workload during the IPL. Dravid clarified:

“The medical team is constantly in touch with the NCA and franchises. If there are any injuries or issues, we do connect with them and see what is happening. If they are injured, BCCI has the right to pull them out. If they are fit, we do release them for the IPL because it is a very important tournament for us.”

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