India's domestic calender needs change

The Duleep Trophy, which was preponed to October from February by the previous BCCI technical committee, didn't have enough top-flight Indian players due to the Champions League T20. WV Raman, writing in the The Sportstar, says that the domestic calender needs a rethink, and cautions that India's coach Duncan Fletcher should play a more active role in helping chalk out a "blueprint for the future".

It may not be always easy to convince a system to embrace changes quickly enough but there is no harm in at least getting the message across. Greg Chappell failed in getting the message through in a manner that was perhaps endearing to the bigwigs of the team and also the BCCI, but there was never any doubt as far his intent was concerned. The ongoing season will require a lot of pluck and also firm handling from Fletcher if results have to be achieved.

In the Hindu, Makarand Waingankar says the scheduling clash between the Champions League and the Duleep Trophy is a disadvantage for several Indian players who don't get enough match-time. Plus, those picked for the India A squad will find it hard to join duty with their respective Ranji squads, thanks to the scheduling.

All the players will be playing seven days in a row. Will the fast bowlers of India 'A', after bowling their hearts out in the October heat, have the energy to bowl in the Ranji Trophy in less than 12 hours? And now that as a part of the strategy no spinner has been picked for India 'A', fast bowlers will be required to bowl throughout the match. The second warm-up match against Mumbai 'A' team will be a farce if some measures are not taken.