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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 7:24:18 pm

Domestic Cricket: The Road to Team India

India needs a clear selection policy that establishes consistent standards for newcomers and established stars alike. Indian cricket’s domestic circuit has often been described as the foundation on which the national team is built. Yet, there is a need to reinforce a fundamental principle: a place in Team India must be earned through performance, not protected by reputation. Domestic cricket must remain the most credible proving ground for aspiring players, established stars, dropped...

Domestic Cricket: The Road to Team India

India needs a clear selection policy that establishes consistent standards for newcomers and established stars alike. Indian cricket’s domestic circuit has often been described as the foundation on which the national team is built. Yet, there is a need to reinforce a fundamental principle: a place in Team India must be earned through performance, not protected by reputation. Domestic cricket must remain the most credible proving ground for aspiring players, established stars, dropped cricketers and those returning after a break. For an aspiring cricketer, scoring runs in the Ranji Trophy or taking wickets in the Duleep Trophy should carry considerable weight in the selection process. Talent may open the door, but sustained performance in competitive conditions should determine whether a player deserves to walk through it. Reputation and potential cannot become permanent substitutes for runs, wickets and match-winning contributions. The same principle must apply to established international players. India needs a transparent selection policy that clearly establishes when a player is expected to return to domestic cricket, what performance benchmarks will be considered and under what circumstances an exemption may be granted. Without such consistency, selection risks appearing subjective. Different standards could be applied to established stars and those waiting for their first international opportunity. When a Test cricketer is dropped for poor form, returning to domestic cricket should be the natural next step. A few net sessions cannot replicate the pressure of a four-day or five-day contest. A batter needs to spend hours at the crease and negotiate different bowling spells. The player must also convert starts into substantial scores. A bowler needs to demonstrate rhythm, control and stamina, as well as the ability to sustain pressure across long spells. Domestic cricket provides evidence of improvement rather than merely an assurance that a player has been working on his game. Selection should therefore be linked to demonstrated form and readiness, rather than an automatic recall based on past achievements. There is an equally strong case for regular Test players to represent their state teams whenever the international calendar permits. Those who are rested or have a break between two Test series should consider domestic matches an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Red-ball cricket demands a temperament different from that required in shorter formats. The ability to leave deliveries, bat through difficult sessions and negotiate reverse swing cannot be developed entirely in the nets. Players must also learn to maintain concentration over several hours. The selection policy must distinguish between a player who is rested for workload management and one who is dropped for poor performance. A rested player should follow an appropriate preparation and match-readiness plan, while a dropped player should have a clear route back through competitive cricket. Injury-related exemptions must be based on medical advice. International commitments should also be accommodated through sensible scheduling. Most importantly, exemptions should not become privileges reserved for marquee players. If a young cricketer must score consistently in domestic cricket to earn a place, an established international should not be assured selection merely because he has delivered in the past. Seniority deserves respect, but it cannot guarantee a place in the playing XI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India and the selectors should establish clear expectations for participation in domestic red-ball competitions. Workload management, injury rehabilitation and national duty should be recognised as legitimate grounds for exemption. Such a policy would improve accountability, strengthen the Ranji Trophy and give selectors a more reliable basis for assessing form. Domestic cricket also benefits from the participation of international players. It allows younger cricketers to test themselves against experienced opponents and learn the demands of elite competition. Ultimately, domestic cricket should be neither a punishment for failure nor a ceremonial obligation. It must be an integral part of a cricketer’s professional life. Team India selection must be a merit-based process, not a privilege earned through reputation. For newcomers, domestic cricket is the route to recognition; for dropped players, it is the path to redemption; and for established stars, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that they remain worthy of the national colours.

‘CA’ — Two Letters, One Lifetime of Struggle: The Inspiring Story of Priyanka Jadhav

Writer: Dr. Abhilash Dawre
Dr. Abhilash Dawre
Nov 23, 2025
3 min read

Bhiwandi: In a remarkable story of determination and grit, Priyanka Jijabai Suresh Jadhav, a differently-abled girl from Savad village in Bhiwandi taluka, has successfully cleared the Chartered Accountancy (CA) examination — a feat that has brought immense pride to her family, her village, and the entire taluka. Despite growing up in poverty, with her mother selling vegetables and her father working as a cleaner in a warehouse, Priyanka never allowed hardship or disability to stop her from achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant.


Despite financial hardships and your physical challenges, how did you manage to achieve your dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant?

Life was never easy — limited means, health issues, and financial struggles were part of every day. But I had decided that becoming a CA was not just my dream; it was my way of honoring my parents’ hard work. Many times my health made it difficult to study, but every time I thought of my parents and their sacrifices, I found the strength to continue. Consistency, discipline, and self-belief made it possible. Even in moments of failure, I reminded myself that this dream was mine — and theirs too.


Tell us about your parents’ role and the struggles they faced to support your education.

My parents are my biggest inspiration. My mother toils in the fields under the scorching sun, growing and selling vegetables to support our family. My father works in a warehouse doing cleaning work. My mother would wake up before dawn, take vegetables to the market, return to the fields, and still make sure I had food and time to study peacefully. Their sacrifices gave me strength. Every achievement of mine is because of their relentless support.


What was the biggest challenge during your journey, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was maintaining faith in myself. Being differently-abled, people often looked at me with pity or doubt. Society constantly compared me with others. But I kept telling myself — you are not weak, you can achieve your dreams. Whenever my results were not as expected, or my body didn’t cooperate, I chose not to give up. I turned every failure into a learning experience. I truly believe —when your mind is strong, no challenge is too big.


What message would you like to give to girls from rural and modest backgrounds?

Never let your background define your future. Your village may be small, but your dreams should be big. Success depends on your effort, not your circumstances. Education is your greatest power — no one can take it away from you. Believe in yourself and never fear failure; it is only a stepping stone to success.


What are your future goals? Do you plan to contribute to society or your village?

My next goal is to use my knowledge to give back to society. I want to organize career guidance workshops for rural and differently-abled students, to show them that limits exist only in the mind, not in life. I want them to believe that they too can achieve whatever they dream of.


How does it feel to finally call yourself ‘CA Priyanka Jadhav’?

It’s an emotional moment beyond words. Those two letters — ‘CA’ — hold years of struggle, tears, failures, and my parents’ sacrifices. It’s not just a title, it’s the realization of a dream we nurtured together as a family.


What message would you give to other differently-abled students?

Your body may have limitations, but your mind does not. Keep faith in yourself. Move forward a little every day. Even when you fail, don’t stop. Success is born from struggle. Believe that you can — because you truly can.


Priyanka’s inspiring journey proves that determination and perseverance can overcome even the harshest challenges. From a humble vegetable-selling family in a small village to earning one of the toughest professional qualifications in the country, CA Priyanka Jadhav stands as a beacon of hope for countless students fighting against odds to fulfill their dreams.

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