BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly. rejected, the president of Saurashtra Cricket Association, Jaydev Shah ‘s appeal of having Ravindra Jadeja play the Ranji Trophy final.
Ravindra Jadeja might be a part of the Indian team that plays a 3-ODI series vs South Africa starting on March 12. Saurav Ganguly told the Saurashtra Cricket Association president that every player has to play for the country first and based on that principle stopped Jadeja from participating in the Ranji Trophy final that begins on March 9.
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya Scores Another Century, Netizens Go Berserk
Jaydev Shah says “I spoke to him [Ganguly] and was told that the board can’t allow Jadeja to play Ranji as the country comes first.” He also questioned the scheduling of international games during a Ranji Trophy final counter arguing why such a thing doesn’t happen when the Indian Premier League begins.
Shah added, “If BCCI wants people to watch their premier domestic cricket then no international game should be held during Ranji final, henceforth. It’s my suggestion. Will BCCI keep an international match during IPL? No, because it gives money. Ranji Trophy can only be popularised if star players play at least in the finals. Don’t keep any international cricket during finals, have a proper window.”
He continues with “I would have loved to see him (Jadeja) play the Ranji Trophy final for us, why only Jadeja, I would have loved to see Mohammad Shami (for Bengal) also.”
ALSO READ: Kuldeep Yadav on IPL 2020 and a spot on the T20 WC Squad
Although, Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat has something to cherish about as Indian Middle Order mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara has confirmed his availability to play the all-important final for his team against Bengal.
“I was in constant touch with Chintu (Pujara) when he was in New Zealand. He cares for the team as much as I do. He was on the flight back from New Zealand when we won. The top-order hasn’t been scoring, so having him back will be really good. whenever Cheteshwar is around, our batting unit plays differently. They have that confidence and reliance when he is there,” says Unadkat.
