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Shikhar Dhawan shared his thoughts on BCCI making domestic cricket mandatory for all players.
Shikhar Dhawan speaks on BCCI’s policy making domestic cricket mandatory for all players. (Image: PTI)
The former Indian cricketer, Shikhar Dhawan has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India and their move to make domestic cricket mandatory for players. But he also wants a balance between game time and adequate rest to ensure that players do not burn out quickly.
Dhawan was present during India’s marquee clash against Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 as an ambassador and got to witness Virat Kohli’s stellar century first-hand as the Men in Blue took the win by six wickets.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines, Dhawan shared his thoughts on the BCCI’s mandate.
“It’s a very good decision. My only thing is that players should not be overloaded, that’s all. But people will monitor that,” he said, as quoted by PTI.
“It’s a good thing that current players should play domestic as well — like how Virat played (for Delhi a few weeks back) and the stadium got packed. At the same time, they should be rested enough,” he added.
The BCCI enforced this mandate after India’s defeat to Australia which saw the side missing a spot in the World Test Championship after the 1-3 series loss on away soil.
But India is also amongst the sides that play the most matches annually and this could be a concern for players who do not get adequate rest as well. One such case was Jasprit Bumrah who ended up bowling a lot that he got himself injured and missed out on the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 clash.
He was also asked about Shubman Gill’s and his potential as captain. Dhawan feels that it is only a matter of time before the opening batter takes up the leadership role.
“Yes, of course, he will become captain. He is vice-captain right now, it is pretty obvious that he will be captain someday,” Dhawan said.
Gill has been in fine form and delivered a match-winning century against Bangladesh in their opening game of the tournament. He looked in good touch against Pakistan but missed out on a fifty. India will hope that Gill continues his stellar form for the remainder of the tournament.
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
