India, Jan. 30 -- The BCCI may have intended to diminish the superstar culture in Indian cricket by emphasising domestic tournaments, but the fervent fan response to the Ranji Trophy tells a different story. The sight of top international cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to their domestic teams after years away has only reaffirmed the enduring allure of individual icons.

Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle weighed in on the trend, highlighting its potential impact. "It depends on whether they believe it will rekindle the joy! But it is a good sign, yes," he remarked, emphasising how international players featuring in domestic tournaments can both benefit them personally and elevate the profile of the competit...