The return of the Ranji Trophy is good news all around

The resumption of the Ranji Trophy after a year’s break can only be good news. And not just for the financial health of our first-class cricketers, especially those who do not have IPL contracts. If c

The resumption of the Ranji Trophy after a year’s break can only be good news. And not just for the financial health of our first-class cricketers, especially those who do not have IPL contracts. If cricket is a viable career for an Indian sportsman, it is important that he play the Ranji Trophy.

But there is more to it than that. It means that there are players ready, fit and able to graduate to the national team. It means that those on the fringes of selection get another chance to impress the selectors.

Early this year, when things were uncertain, fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat tweeted “Dear red ball, please give me one more chance. I’ll make you proud, promise!” Unadkat has played one Test and seven one-dayers. He had just turned 30, having led Saurashtra to their maiden Ranji title the last time the tournament was held. The pathos in the tweet was heightened by the fact he had claimed 67 wickets, the most that season, at 13.23.