Former Indian Batter Advices Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Play Ranji Trophy for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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Following India's recent 0-3 Test series defeat against New Zealand, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the Ranji Trophy for some much-needed match practice before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia.

Kaif believes that domestic cricket could help the two batting icons regain form, as the series opener looms on November 22 in Perth. In a video shared on social media, Kaif emphasized the importance of building form through domestic matches.

Especially after both Kohli and Sharma's recent struggles in the Test format. "They need form, and they need to bat for hours there. If they end up scoring a hundred, then it will benefit them immensely and serve as a morale booster," Kaif remarked.

He further highlighted how domestic performance, specifically long batting hours in challenging conditions, could serve as an ideal preparation. Kaif also referenced Rishabh Pant's heroics during the 2020-21 Australia tour as a key example.

At that time, Pant, not part of India's limited-overs squads, played a practice match in Sydney before the second Test, scoring a quick century that led to his inclusion in the playing XI. Pant's knock of 89* in the final Test at Brisbane became one of India's most iconic performances, helping India clinch the series 2-1.

Kaif pointed out, "Pant emerged as a whole different player after that. Playing a preparatory game made all the difference." The former cricketer's call comes as Indian fans and selectors question the form of their veteran stars. Kohli has quite struggled in red-ball cricket this year.

He could manage just 250 runs from six matches with an average of 22.72. For the Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the New Zealand series was challenging as well; his continued struggles against pace and mistimed pull shots have intensified scrutiny.

Kaif's recommendation is not just about batting practice but a reminder of the discipline domestic cricket demands. "Forget the comfort of big cars and flights... if you want to find form, you need to put in that effort," he added, stressing that players need to embrace the grind to reclaim their best form.