‘Why do you want to play it?’ – Dilip Vengsarkar questions Ranji Trophy’s relevance for India hopefuls

Dilip Vengsarkar has criticised the Indian cricket selectors for failing to reward outstanding domestic performers with national team opportunities. The former India captain’s comments come as several standout Ranji Trophy 2025-26 players remain on the sidelines despite exceptional performances in the tournament.

Vengsarkar expressed his frustration at the apparent disconnect between domestic success and international selection. He questioned the purpose of continuing the Ranji Trophy if performances in the competition do not translate into India caps for deserving players.

“If you feel that these domestic games are not criteria for selection to the Indian team, then scrap the Ranji Trophy. Don’t play the Ranji Trophy. Why do you want to play it? These players are working hard,” Vengsarkar said on Revsportz.

“They are winning matches. They are taking wickets. If they are not rewarded with an India cap, then it is a waste of time,” he added.

Nabi’s exceptional Ranji Trophy record deserves international recognition

Vengsarkar specifically highlighted the case of Auqib Nabi, the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 leading wicket-taker. Nabi finished the tournament with 60 wickets in 10 matches across 17 innings, claiming them at an exceptional average of 12.56. He recorded seven five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls during the season.

Nabi played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title win. Across the last two Ranji seasons, he has accumulated 104 wickets, a remarkable tally that Vengsarkar believes warrants immediate international recognition.

“There is another guy called Auqib Nabi, who did so well for Jammu and Kashmir. He almost single-handedly helped them win the Ranji Trophy. I think these players should be given an opportunity because he has taken more than 100 wickets in two seasons. That’s a hell of a lot of wickets,” Vengsarkar added.

Shami’s domestic form and international absence

Nabi has received a Test squad call-up for the Sri Lankan series as a replacement option and earned a maiden ODI call-up for the upcoming home series against West Indies, which begins September 27, 2026. However, he is yet to make his international debut.

Vengsarkar also raised concerns about veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s absence from the Indian Test squad. Shami finished as the sixth-leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 with 37 scalps at an average of under 17. He recently contributed seven wickets in three matches as East Zone clinched the Duleep Trophy 2026 title.

Shami has not featured in an India Test since June 2023 and has been absent from the national team since the Champions Trophy in March 2025. Vengsarkar believes the experienced bowler deserves a place in the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series in New Zealand.

“I don’t know why Shami has been sidelined, to be honest with you. He has done extremely well in domestic cricket as well as international cricket. He is a very good bowler, and he should be an integral part of the Indian team. Shami should be in the Test squad for the New Zealand series. I don’t know why he is out of the team,” Vengsarkar concluded.