The BCCI has decided to conduct Ranji Trophy this year. It will happen after a long gap of two years. Although it was scheduled in the calendar, it was scrapped after the COVID situation. However, BCCI has now decided to conduct it. It will happen in two phases. In this article, we take a look at five top contracted Indian players who might play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2022.
India’s Test Team, especially the batting department, is undergoing a transition. The batsmen failed to do well in South Africa and that was one of the main reasons why the team lost the tournament. Hence, a few top Indian players are set to be dropped for the Sri Lanka Test series that will start at the end of February. Therefore, a few of them will feature in the Ranji Trophy.
1) Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane is one of the top Indian players who might play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2022. It is certain that Rahane would be dropped for the series against Sri Lanka. For the South Africa Tour, Rahane was stripped of his vice-captaincy. However, he still could not do well in the Rainbow Nation, despite playing all the three games. At home, Rahane’s form has anyways been poor. Hence, he might not find a place in Team India and this means that he will turn up for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
2) Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara could also be dropped for the home series against Sri Lanka. If that happens, he is sure to participate in the Ranji Trophy. A top run-scorer in the competition, Pujara’s inclusion will be of immense value to the Saurashtra Team, that will be led by Jaydev Unadkat.
3) Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma is not getting chances to play for India. At home, India is likely to prefer only two pacers. Hence, with the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav in good form, Ishant Sharma may not be selected for the Sri Lanka series. This could actually help him, though. The veteran will get a chance to play in the Ranji Trophy to get some competitive game time. This could help his bid in return to the playing XI.
4) Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan could also play the Ranji Trophy this year. He was part of the Delhi squad that recently took part in the limited-overs domestic competitions. Hence, Dhawan could continue the same for the longer format, as well. However, he could still miss it considering he does not have a future in the Indian Test Team.
5) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also one of the top Indian players who might play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2022. However, it needs to be seen if Bhuvi would risk playing the red-ball format considering his vulnerability to injuries. He is out of contention for the Test Team and unless he wants some game time, Bhuvi does not have a great benefit playing in the Ranji Trophy. In fact, he should focus on IPL 2022, that will give him a better chance of making a comeback.
