In the aftermath of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 loss, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it compulsary for even senior players to play domestic cricket. As a result, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned up to play Ranji Trophy for their respective state sides. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan lauded the BCCI's move but also asked them to exercise caution so that it does not overburden the players. The left-handed opener also expressed his happiness when the Arun Jaitley Stadium saw a huge football to witness Kohli's first Ranji appearance after more than a decade.
"It's a very good decision. My only thing is that players should not be overloaded, that's all. But people will monitor that," he told the media on the sidelines of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and Pakistan.
"It's a good thing that current players should play domestic as well -- like how Virat played (for Delhi a few weeks back) and the stadium got packed. At the same time, they should be rested enough."
Dhawan lauded his former opening partner Rohit Sharma who was dismissed early in run chase by left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi after a cameo.
"He got out, but he created that energy and others capitalised," the left-handed batter said.
Rohit scored 20 runs from 15 balls including three fours.
Dhawan on India-Pakistan games' intensity
Dhawan was asked whether the India-Pakistan are missing the competitiveness.
"Intensity is there. Earlier Pakistan dominated, but now India dominate. That's the difference."
Dhawan on Gill as potential captain
Dhawan was asked whether vice-captain Shubman Gill will take the mantle from Rohit once retired.
"Yes of course, he will become captain. He is vice captain right now, it is pretty obvious that he will be captain some day," Dhawan said.
Gill took over captaincy duties during the match against Pakistan while Rohit was out of the ground for a while.