Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should have played Duleep Trophy: Raina
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina believes marquee players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should have participated in the 2024 Duleep Trophy.
This statement comes after widespread speculation about their participation in the tournament, as a warm-up for the busy Test schedule ahead.
However, the BCCI included neither player for the red-ball tournament.
The duo last featured in the Sri Lanka ODI series, where India were stunned.
Agreement
Raina echoes sentiments of Gavaskar and Manjrekar
Raina's views align with those of former batters Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar, who also believe that Kohli and Sharma's presence in the Duleep Trophy could have been beneficial.
They argue that this experience would have significantly aided their preparation for the impending Test series against Bangladesh.
Raina emphasized this point during an interview with Sports Tak, stating "Yes, they should've played...we haven't played red-ball cricket ever since the IPL ended."
Information
Kohli, Rohit eye return to Test cricket
Kohli last played red-ball cricket in January this year, while Rohit's last Test appearance came in March. The duo would be crucial to India's setup when where they take on Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series later this year.
Preparation
Raina highlights importance of four-day cricket
Raina further stressed the importance of four-day cricket in preparing for a crucial Test series.
He explained that it helps players understand the suface's behavior on the final two days.
"I think they're matured enough when they will regroup for 4-5 days and start practicing," he added, acknowledging that sometimes family time is also important.
Caution
Raina warns against underestimating Bangladesh
Raina also warned against underestimating the Bangladesh cricket team, based on their recent run against Pakistan.
He described the conditions expected at Green Park and emphasized that India "can't take Bangladesh lightly as they've recently beaten Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi."
India's much-awaited Test season is set to begin with India-Bangladesh series, starting September 19 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.