When the Mumbai Test finished ahead of schedule, the buzz was that India’s batsmen, woefully out of form, would use the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches to get into shape for the next series. After all, they had played only 15 out of a possible 20 days of cricket since the series began on October 6, to woeful effect. Yet not all have chosen to play Ranji. The BCCI’s official line is that it is up to individual players and state associations to decide what is to be done. Meanwhile, here’s India’s batting order, split into those who played Ranji and those who didn’t, with their figures from the Test seriesDID NOT BATSachin TendulkarMts: 2 Runs: 70 Avg: 17.50Unavailable for commentVVS LaxmanMts: 4 Runs: 123 Avg: 17.57“We’ve played four continuous Tests so I’ve been advised a break for 3-4 days. I just followed that advice. Left to me, I’d turn out even for a club side”Rahul DravidMts: 4 Runs: 167 Avg: 27.83Could not be contactedVirender SehwagMts: 4 Runs: 299 Avg: 42.71“I desperately needed a break after the Australia series. I had taken permission from the Board as well as the Delhi Ranji team management. I spent these 4-5 days with my family”OUT IN THE MIDDLESourav GangulyMts: 2 Runs: 59 Avg: 19.67Injured, short of runs and confidence, surprised one and all when he turned up for Bengal against KarnatakaMohammad KaifMts: 3 Runs: 153 Avg: 30.60For some the best Indian batsman in the series. Yet rushed to join his team Uttar Pradesh while playing PunjabAakash ChopraMts: 2 Runs: 15 Avg: 3.75Nowhere to go except turn up for Delhi and, by the looks of it, the scars of the Oz series remainYuvraj SinghMts: 2 Runs: 47 Avg: 15.67Really confused with his role in the Test matches, is batting at No 3 for Punjab, thereby showing his preference. Needs to get back his confidence to challenge for a placeGautam GambhirMts: 1 Runs: 4 Avg: 2.00Had a horror debut with bat and in the field, so had plenty to prove. And did so in style
