Virat Kohli's Glaring Absence From Domestic Cricket Since 2012: Is He Ignoring The Basics?

Virat Kohli has not played domestic cricket since 2012 [Source: @RohitCh71651016/x.com]

Team India’s recent humiliating defeat against New Zealand in the home Test series has created quite a storm. Questions are flying left, right, and centre, with many wondering why Indian stalwart Virat Kohli skipped out on domestic cricket ahead of the series.

Former cricketers and experts have started comparing Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar by pointing out how the Master-Blaster, well into his 40s, still showed up for Ranji games. But is it really fair to call Kohli out for not playing domestic matches since 2012? Let’s analyze:

Kohli’s Last Run in Domestic Cricket

It’s been over a decade since Kohli last played a domestic match. Back in 2013, he turned out for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, and after that, he’s been glued to the international schedule. By then, Kohli was already a mainstay in the Indian squad.

There wasn’t much need for him to prove himself in domestic games. Unlike newcomers trying to make their mark, Kohli was already India’s go-to guy. So, there was no way he could have juggled both international and domestic cricket?

The Sachin Tendulkar Factor

Sachin’s dedication to domestic cricket is legendary. Even after becoming a global icon, he still suited up for Mumbai. He would show up at small-town stadiums and stay in average accommodations, all for the love of the game. His commitment to Ranji is something fans hold dear.

But we have to remember – Sachin played at a different time. The IPL wasn’t big back then, and T20 cricket wasn’t in the limelight. It was easier for players to squeeze in domestic games without burning out. Today? The cricket schedule is jam-packed.

A Packed Calendar

Let’s face it: today’s cricket calendar is no cakewalk. It’s one series after another, with barely any time to breathe. Between Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and the IPL, it’s a nonstop grind.

Virat Kohli, being India’s main man, is constantly hopping from one format to the next. Even Sachin would’ve struggled to make room for Ranji if he had to juggle the current schedule. For Kohli, domestic matches don’t fit as easily into the mix.

The Importance of a Break

Everyone needs a breather, even a legend like Kohli. Beyond the game, there’s family and mental health to think about. Kohli’s recent form shows the toll this nonstop cricket has taken. With so little downtime, is it fair to expect him to squeeze in Ranji Trophy games too? Kohli’s focus on staying fit and mentally fresh is what keeps him at the top of his game.

Could Ranji Trophy Have Helped?

Still, it’s fair to say a few Ranji matches could’ve done Kohli some good. Ahead of the New Zealand series, a couple of games on home turf, facing domestic bowlers, might have helped him find his rhythm.

Domestic cricket offers a change of pace – sometimes, that’s exactly what a player needs to get his groove back. A few solid innings in Ranji could’ve been the ticket to help him regain his touch.

Is the Criticism Fair?

While a Ranji Trophy stint might have done him a world of good, blaming Kohli alone for not playing domestic cricket is a bit much. Cricket has changed, and the demands on players today are way more intense than in Sachin’s time.

Expecting Kohli to follow Sachin’s path ignores the reality of today’s game. Sure, a return to Ranji could help, but holding it against him for not playing since 2012? That’s a bit harsh.

At the end of the day, Kohli’s still one of India’s finest. While a domestic run might be in the cards, let’s cut the man some slack. He’s earned it.

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