BCCI accepts Sehwag's suggestions, remodels Ranji Trophy format
What's the story
BCCI has remodelled the Ranji Trophy format for the upcoming season after accepting Virender Sehwag's suggestions. The teams will now be divided into four groups with seven teams each instead of the previous format which had three groups of nine teams each. BCCI has thus ensured that the teams will play two games less at the group stage, thereby reducing the burden on players.
More recovery time
The bowlers will now have enough time to recover
"Keeping Sehwag's suggestion in mind, this time we've consciously kept a four-day gap between all games in the Ranji Trophy." "This will help the bowlers recover well for the next game," a source in the Board was quoted by Sportskeeda. This comes as a welcome modification, especially for the fast bowlers.
New format
Two teams from each group will progress to the quarters
Two teams from the each of the four groups will progress to the quarterfinals. This will bring uniformity amongst the teams, unlike the previous format. The previous format was heavily criticised for ensuring quarter-final berths for two teams from the relatively weaker Group C. Mumbai Cricket Association's proposal for a new domestic one-day tournament for Under-23 cricketers was also accepted by the BCCI.