India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has revealed that it will be difficult for Indian players to take part in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Ranji Trophy to prepare for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series. Dravid said the team will begin the build-up for the four-match Test series against Australia at the same time of the quarterfinals.
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle and former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently suggested that Indian players should take part in the Ranji Trophy to prepare for the Test series against Australia.
However, former India’s No.3 also revealed that some players who will not be in the reckoning in the team’s playing XI against Australia, could be released from the squad to take part in the Ranji Trophy.
Rahul Dravid said in the press conference, “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.
“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.”
On the other hand, India took an impregnable lead of 2-0 in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, and thus the home team can afford to make a few changes to their playing XI.
Asked if Rajat Patidar can make his ODI debut, Dravid said he can’t disclose the team’s final XI.
“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.”
Dravid also revealed that the BCCI will also try to manage the player’s workload during the IPL.
“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.”
The third ODI between India and New Zealand will take place at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Tuesday.
