India's bowler Hardik Pandya during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Bangladesh.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are all set to take a decisive step against players idly waiting for the start of the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) without showing any interest in participating in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, which is almost done with its league stage. According to a report by the news agency PTI, the Indian team management is particularly furious at a section of players who have shown reluctance to be part of the domestic first-class tournament despite being fit.

It became a matter of grave concern amid the rising talk over Ishan Kishan continued absence from all forms of cricket. The India wicketkeeper-batter had taken a break during the middle of the South Africa tour reportedly citing mental health fatigue. Team head coach Rahul Dravid emphasised that if and when Ishan chooses to return, he has to show some game time before returning to the Indian side, hinting at wanting him to participate in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Jharkhand. But the 25-year-old has stayed out of six straight league games so far. Meanwhile, he was spotted practising with Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in Baroda, which seemed that he has been gearing up for IPL 2024 instead, leaving BCCI officials irked, added the report.