India vs South Africa: Should senior players play domestic cricket during off-season? Suryakumar Yadav gives BIG statement

Ever since Gautam Gambhir took over as the head coach of the India men's team, domestic cricket has been given a higher pedestal among the international cricketers. Not that it wasn't the case prior to his arrival, but Gambhir along with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have strongly urged cricketers to play domestic cricket whenever they aren't playing for India.

This has seen a larger group of international cricketers participating in all formats of domestic cricket in recent years, and those who have failed to execute this rule have been punished too. Recently, there was a big debate about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and whether they should play domestic cricket frequently because they now only play a single format.

This has been a raging debate since the last few months and India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav was asked this question during the pre-match press conference ahead of the first match against South Africa in Cuttack. For those unaware, Yadav has constantly played domestic cricket for Mumbai whenever his schedule has allowed him to.

“According to me, you should never forget your roots in domestic cricket. And whenever there is no international cricket, all the players go and play domestic cricket. It is a good challenge there," said Yadav.

“Because of such a challenging atmosphere, when you come here, it becomes easy for you because you work very hard there. So, it is very important to play in the domestic circuit again. Whenever you are available. And if you look at the players who went there, for example, Abhishek (Sharma) went to play and a lot of players went to play. So, you always stay in touch. You always know how the game is going. You get to learn a lot from that.”

According to reports, Kohli is set to play for Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy that starts later this month. There is, however, no clarity on Rohit Sharma's availability for this tournament. Meanwhile, Yadav seemed happy at the fitness updates of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, both of whom are set to make a comeback in the first T20I.

While Hardik's injury was extensive and took lengthy rehab procedures, Gill's was a freak neck spasm that took a lot longer than initially anticipated. The all-rounder's return is of monumental value, given the balance he gives to India's playing XI. In India's victorious 2025 Asia Cup campaign, Hardik was effectively India's second seamer and Yadav knows the priceless quality that his all-rounder brings.

That’s what (balance) he (Hardik) brings to the table. His experience, the way he has done really well in all the matches, all good games also, all bigger games, ICC events, all ACC events. I think that experience will count a lot. His presence will definitely give a good balance to the side.”