NEW DELHI: The begin to the Ranji Trophy season has been nothing wanting disastrous for Delhi. 4 matches, seven factors, and sixth place (amongst eight groups) on the Group D factors desk means they now must win all their remaining fixtures to have any likelihood of qualifying for the knockouts.Name it a lackadaisical perspective on the a part of the Delhi & District Cricket Affiliation (DDCA) bosses, who're engrossed in combating inside battles, or lack of match preparedness — Delhi group has in the end suffered.
DDCA, in reality, continued with coach Sarandeep Singh from the earlier season, however the groups have been picked on the idea of rushed trials, and there have been no preparatory camps both. Surprisingly, some Ranji Trophy alternatives have been accomplished on the idea of performances within the Delhi Premier League – a T20 league. The aspect did not play a single multi-day fixture earlier than the season opener whereas different groups participated in high quality multi-day tournaments to get the preparations proper.Cohesion and group bonding have been anticipated to be main issues, and that has been evident within the 4 matches. DDCA secretary Ashok Kumar Sharma agreed that the group did not click on as a unit.“There was particular person brilliance. Sanat (Sangwan) and Ayush (Doseja) have accomplished effectively with the bat. As a group, we aren't doing effectively, which is a priority,” Sharma tells TimesofIndia.com.TimesofIndia.com additionally reached to joint secretary Amit Grover, who additionally sits within the choice conferences, however he did not reply.After the humiliating loss, nobody from the Delhi dressing room spoke to the media however the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), chaired by Vijay Dahiya, had a gathering with the Excessive Efficiency Group coaches to handle the best way ahead. Solely routine discussions adopted as most within the DDCA corridors agree {that a} full overhaul is the necessity of the hour.
New Delhi: Delhi's Simarjeet Singh reacts after taking a wicket through the first day of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 cricket match between Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. (PTI Photograph/Karma Bhutia)(PTI11_08_2025_000323A)
“You are able to do as many conferences as you need, however you could create an atmosphere for cricket. Coach Sarandeep received an extension even after questionable ways in final season the place Delhi did not get the Taking part in XI proper in most video games and had some timid calls on the toss. Even this season, the selectors give the gamers he calls for however outcomes usually are not there. Sarandeep comes into conferences with some information supporting his argument,” stated a senior DDCA official.Coach Sarandeep is going through ire, as a DDCA insider tells TimesofIndia.com that the coach largely talks about previous glory within the group conferences and the way he used to bag wickets on flat pitches throughout the nation as an alternative of charting a foolproof plan for the opposition.
Selector leaves for personal league
In recent times, DDCA has made headlines extra for off-field controversies than on-field performances. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that selector Manu Nayar hasn't been round and has travelled to take part in a personal league within the US.
Coach Sarandeep received an extension even after questionable ways in final season the place Delhi did not get the Taking part in XI proper in most video games and had some timid calls on the toss
A DDCA official
The irony is that final week, DDCA sacked its chairman of the junior choice committee, Ashu Dani, for his involvement within the tainted Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) performed in Jammu & Kashmir. Surinder Khanna, member of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was additionally proven the door and was changed by Robin Singh Jr.In a round, DDCA issued a stern reminder to all stakeholders to keep away from unapproved or unauthorised cricket occasions however even after the sturdy message, Nayar, together with Manan Sharma and Gautam Vadhera – additionally holding positions in help employees for the season, went forward to take part within the league.It wasn't the one drama to unfold this season. A serious controversy erupted through the choice committee assembly to select probables for the Below-23 and Ranji Trophy groups, as secretary Ashok Sharma, additionally the convenor, objected to the presence of three administrators. In a letter to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, Sharma urged that choice committee conferences be held to make sure transparency, equity, and integrity within the choice course of.
Ballot
What do you suppose is the primary motive for Delhi's poor efficiency within the Ranji Trophy this season?
The letter learn: “The latest choice course of has raised severe issues concerning the functioning of the DDCA choice committee. Opposite to established practices and BCCI pointers, the Apex Council members have overstepped their roles, undermining the autonomy and credibility of the choice committee. We urge you to revisit the choice course of and be certain that it adheres to the norms and greatest practices adopted by the BCCI.Right this moment, a couple of administrators additionally attended the assembly, which raises issues about potential bias and undue affect. Notably, one of many administrators' presence appears significantly pertinent given {that a} member of the family is a candidate for choice.Curiously, son of one of many administrators, who was current within the assembly, went on to play for U-23 aspect within the CK Nayudu Trophy and had a really underwhelming present with the ball. Delhi U-23 had a disastrous marketing campaign as they're at the moment backside of their group.There weren't any learnings from the multi-day outings because the DDCA picked one other jumbo squad, flight tickets of which TimesofIndia.com has seen, for the U-23 State A trophy. Surprisingly, no official announcement of the squad has been made but and the gamers are believed to learn by the managers through telephone calls and in a Whatsapp group. With a lot occurring off the sphere, and never a lot on the sphere, Delhi just isn't the powerhouse it was within the home circuit. The onus is now on the cricket physique led by Rohan Jaitley to revive order.
