Why tour India during the Ranji Trophy, asks Dilip Vengsarkar

ByTech Word News

MUMBAI: Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has criticized the BCCI’s decision to send the India A team on a shadow tour of New Zealand during the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.The 15-member India A squad, led by wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, will tour New Zealand from October 24 to November 7 for three four-day matches in Lincoln and Christchurch, ahead of the two-Test series there.“Why are you touring India A when the Ranji Trophy season is on? What is the point of holding the Ranji Trophy?” Vengsarkar told TOI.“This idea of ​​having a shadow tour when your home season starts is just ridiculous because it dilutes the importance of your premier home tournament.Most of the players selected for the India A tour are likely to feature only in the opening round of the Ranji Trophy before leaving for New Zealand.“If your best domestic players play for India A during the Ranji Trophy, then the performances of those who score and take wickets in the Ranji Trophy will be devalued,” said Vengsarkar, India’s former chief selector.“Why these A tours are organized during the home season is beyond me.Vengsarkar had earlier questioned the scheduling of the BCCI’s India A tour and domestic series during the domestic calendar.This season, the Irani Cup between 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir and Rest of India also lost some luster as IndiaAnd they played Australia A simultaneously in two multi-day matches in Puducherry.The opening round of the Ranji Trophy also clashed with a three-match ODI series between India A and Australia A.The BCCI has introduced shadow tours to help fringe players get used to overseas conditions before being assigned to the senior team and to ensure that reserves are ready if needed.However, Vengsarkar disagrees with the logic.“If you want your players to acclimatize early to the conditions and local environment, send your core team early,” said the 116-Test veteran.“There is no point in sending players who won’t even play in the Test series.”