India’s top stars juggling formats

Mansingh Stadium, to see Rohit Sharma.

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Delhi's match starring Virat Kohli in Bengaluru was shifted to BCCI’s CoE after inspection of the readiness of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium but fans followed it closely online.The records, though, fell in the other games. However, the halo effect saw all performances being accorded solid coverage in every news outlet.

To be fair, it came as a pleasant surprise for all stakeholders. Such a response for an opening round domestic fixture has not been seen for ages, at least not since Sachin Tendulkar's time. So, how did this happen? It was the result of a combination of factors but the main thing to be noticed is that there is potential in domestic cricket when the right moves are made.

In asking the players to make themselves available for domestic cricket, BCCI's intention was for them to stay match fit rather than get spectators to the stadiums. But it can work both ways and the turnout should get the decision makers in Indian cricket to start thinking about whether such interest can be sustained.

This time around, scheduling was key. The Indian team was not involved in any international cricket and that created a window for the availability of top players.

The BCCI's diktat on eligibility for national team selection ensured that iconic players like Kohli and Rohit made time. The crowd response at Jaipur (free entry by RCA) ensured Rohit was not short on inspiration and played to the gallery. One thing led to another.