“Forcefully, you can’t do anything,” says Gujarat Titans player after BCCI removes Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from central contract list

Wriddhiman Saha believed each player should treat all levels of the sport, international or domestic, the same.

“Forcefully, you can’t do anything,” says Gujarat Titans player after BCCI removes Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from central contract list

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were dropped from the IPL contracts as he refused to play Ranji Trophy (Image via ESPN)

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were in the bad books of the BCCI for quite a while, due to their non-participation in the Ranji Trophy. Kishan, who had taken a personal break before the tour of South Africa in December 2023, has refused to play for Jharkhand.

Meanwhile Shreyas Iyer was dropped from the Test team and was asked to play for Mumbai, but he refused and went to the KKR camp. Because of this, they have been dropped from the annual BCCI central contracts.

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Wriddhiman Saha, former Indian wicket-keeper, spoke about the exclusion of the two Indian stars. Saha, who was axed from the Indian side in 2022, said the BCCI could not force the two to play Ranji, but emphasized on the importance of Ranji Trophy. 

That is BCCI's decision and personal decision of concerned players. Forcefully, you can't do anything. Whenever I am fit I play, even I played club matches, office matches as well. I always treat a match as a match. All matches are equal for me. If every player thinks on those lines, they will only prosper in their career and it will be better for Indian cricket as well.
Wriddhiman Saha told PTI

Saha took the example of Sarfaraz Khan, who got selected thanks to his performances in the domestic circuits. He said the way Khan performed in the past 4-5 years, he deserved a Test debut and has delivered. 

Wriddhiman Saha hails India’s bench strength 

Dhruv Jurel has impressed heavily in the ongoing Test series with consistent match-winning performances. His 90 and 39* in the Ranchi Test was essential for India winning the Test series. Wriddhiman Saha is impressed and is happy the bench is always ready to step up. 

Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel has been the find of the series so far for India, with his batting being crucial for winning the series. (Image via ESPN)
I have never seen him (Jurel) in domestic cricket, even in Test matches I have seen in him highlights. But his batting is outstanding, he won the last Test for the team. It is always good to see that your reserve bench is ready, whenever somebody is getting a chance. 
Wriddhiman Saha said

Saha debuted for India in 2010, but became the first team keeper in 2014 after MS Dhoni retired. He held that spot till 2018, with the arrival of Rishabh Pant. He has played 40 Tests and has scored 1353 runs in 56 innings. Saha also has 104 dismissals as a keeper, with 92 catches and 12 stumpings. 

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