Why Can’t National Team Players Perform in Ranji Trophy When They Return?

January 31, 2025 Scoops Reporter Cricket Scoops, Sports Scoops 0

Indian domestic cricket has long been the foundation upon which international careers are built. Tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy have served as breeding grounds for some of India’s finest cricketers. You can call these events a stepping stone to a national contract and success at the highest level.

However, an interesting trend has emerged over the years—players who excelled in domestic cricket and went on to represent India often struggle when they return to the Ranji Trophy after years of international exposure. While their talent remains unquestionable, the statistics show that many such players find it difficult to pile on runs or take wickets upon their return.

The most recent examples came up after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Jan 2025, instructed all Indian players available, to play in the last two rounds of the 2025 Ranji Trophy. Players like Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and others played for their respective state sides, but none of them made headlines. Why does this happen? Let’s decode the possible reasons.

Why Can't National Team Players Perform in Ranji Trophy When They Return?

Team India poor results in Ranji Trophy

  1. Shift in playing conditions: One of the biggest challenges for returning international players is adapting to vastly different playing conditions. International cricket is played on well-curated pitches that offer true bounce, and the quality of outfields is far superior. In contrast, Ranji Trophy games are played on varied pitches across India, ranging from turning tracks to slow, low-bounce wickets. For batters accustomed to playing on bouncy Australian pitches or seaming English conditions, adjusting to slower, lower, and occasionally underprepared domestic tracks can be difficult.
  2. Mental adjustment: The mental shift from representing India in packed stadiums with millions watching to playing domestic cricket in relatively empty grounds is massive. Technically, it feels like a demotion and it’s tough to stay 100% motivated when that happens. Plus, international players are used to high-pressure situations where every move is scrutinized. When they return to Ranji Trophy, these motivation levels will naturally dip. While they are professionals, the psychological shift from donning the India jersey to returning to state teams—sometimes alongside younger, lesser-experienced players—can subconsciously lead to a negative impact in performances.

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  1. Different bowling attacks and approaches: International bowlers are generally more skilled, faster, and accurate, relying on subtle variations. Domestic bowlers, on the other hand, may not have the same pace but often bowl to specific conditions, exploiting local nuances. Many international players struggle against these lesser-known bowlers because they do not play them often. Domestic spinners, for example, tend to rely on unorthodox deliveries that do not get the same purchase on international pitches but become deadly on turning Indian tracks. Plus, they play most of their cricket on these same grounds through their respective careers.
  2. Expectations and added pressure: Returning international players are expected to dominate domestic bowlers. However, this expectation often works against them. The opposition is always extra motivated to dismiss a big name, often bringing their best game forward. The pressure to perform, coupled with the burden of expectations from teammates and fans, can sometimes lead to underperformance. For example now in the 2025 Ranji Trophy, Team India players returned to the domestic setup after a 1-3 loss in Australia, so there’s added pressure to get runs and prove their worth again.
  3. Lack of information and analysis: When it comes to international cricket, there is a lot of analysis and homework done on all opponents. So there’s a lot more preparation going into big matches as compared to Ranji Trophy games. Here, you’re up against batsmen and bowlers who you’ve probably not played in the past, and there’s not a lot of analysis done on before.

While the struggles of international players in the Ranji Trophy are evident, they stem from a combination of technical, mental, and situational factors. Despite their experience, they must recalibrate their game every time they return to domestic cricket. This highlights the unique challenges of transitioning between different levels of the sport, proving that success at one level does not guarantee immediate success at another. For similar cricketing updates from around the world, remember to always stay tuned to ReadScoops.com.

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