India, Nov. 27 -- The Indian national team is big into blocking outside noise. Just as 'process' and 'intent' had once become the keywords for previous generations, 'outside noise' it is for this team. To them, it is, at the very least, a distraction and at the most, a destabilising factor induced by those who know very little about the dressing room. But sometimes, it makes sense to listen.

For years now, former cricketers and fans alike have been talking about the need to play more Ranji Trophy matches. It builds character, it hones technique and gives you space to tinker. But for years now, the cricketers and the Board for Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have resisted the call.

Now, as T20-bred cricketers come to the fore, that d...