Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were once the backbone of Indian batting line-up in the longest format, believe that domestic performance should be the primary criteria for selecting the senior Test team.
According to Pujara, it as a fair and positive approach. Rahane endorsed his views, citing that success in domestic cricket enhances the value of the Test cap.
“I strongly believe that those who want to play Test cricket, should play domestic cricket first. And everyone plays it. And it is also important to perform well in it," Pujara said during an interaction with Rahane, on the latter's YouTube channel.
He added, “And if we talk about the current team selection, or if we talk about the last 2-3 series, the domestic players who have performed well in Ranji Trophy or domestic cricket, they have got an opportunity to play in the Indian squad."
Pujara continued, “So, what it suggests is that it is a positive move. Because when domestic players perform well in domestic cricket, they should get a reward. And I believe that this should continue. And the selection of the Indian Test team should be purely based on domestic cricket."
Rahane agreed, stating, “I think you are absolutely right. The selection of the Indian Test team should be based on domestic cricket. And I think this value remains. When you come to Test cricket after performing so well in domestic cricket… the value of the Test cap, and the experience of playing Test cricket, is also different."
Pujara also addressed the misconception that players are not willing to take part in domestic cricket anymore.
“Domestic cricket remains important even now but players’ priorities have changed a bit. There are specialised players now for each format not just in India but across the world,” Pujara said.
“Since the number of Test matches a year has come down a bit over the years, players now feel that if they are not part of white ball cricket they are missing out on a lot of action.
“So, priorities have shifted now, but that does not mean these players don’t want to play domestic cricket," he explained.
(With PTI Inputs)
