was a consensus on the current Ranji Trophy format — teams split into three, with each playing the other once in their group and the top eight teams (there each from groups A and B and two from group C) qualifying for the quarterfinals. Bengal coach WV Raman said that the format was not an issue. "It needs to be given some time," he said.
Other suggestions, Kumble said, were to have four days gap between Ranji Trophy matches instead of the present three. Hyderabad coach Sunil Joshi suggested that the initial two or three Ranji rounds could do with the present three-day gap between matches "as the players would be fresh at the start of the season". The four-day gap, he felt, could be implemented in the later stages of the league when the intensity is higher owing to the race for the knock-outs.
Kumble said that some matches could have a three-day gap while others, four. He added that there was talk of the domestic one-dayers, currently played on zonal basis, having the same format as Ranji — a three-group structure. "As it involves a lot of criss-crossing, this will be a logistical nightmare," Kumble said.
Raman was also of the view that the Vijay Hazare all-India knock-out one-day tournament should be played under lights. "Day games are heavily loaded on teams winning the toss," he said.
Joshi also recommended that one additional point be awarded to the team enforcing the follow-on.
Kumble also mentioned that the coaches and captains were happy with the overall umpiring standards. "Teams affected by some umpiring decisions will have their concerns but the overall impression is that the levels have improved."
Raman, on his part, added that the calculation of over-rates may be done in blocks of two matches. "This gives the captains a chance to make up for the overs lost in the previous game," he said.
Raman also suggested that apart from the match referee's report, what would be helpful is a report from captain and coach on the pitch. Some others wanted the Ranji knock-out to be played at neutral venues.
Food for thought
To increase the number of days between matches from three to four
To make domestic one-day format similar to Ranji Trophy
To conduct one-day knock-out under lights
To award an extra point for teams enforcing follow-on
To calculate over-rates in blocks of two matches