Team India celebrated a convincing 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk, but the win couldn't mask the ongoing concerns regarding the form of key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite strong performances from teammates like Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah, the batting stalwarts failed to make significant contributions, raising questions about their preparation.

Both Kohli and Sharma missed the opportunity to play in the Duleep Trophy, and former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for treating certain players differently due to their stature. In his blunt assessment, Manjrekar emphasized that their absence from red-ball cricket was detrimental not only to their individual performances but also to the team.

Manjrekar pointed out, "I’m not worried, but someone made a note that they would have been better off had they played some red-ball cricket. The option to include them in the Duleep Trophy was there, and not doing so was not good for Indian cricket or the players." He believes that exposure to match conditions would have prepared them better for the Test series.

Despite his concerns, Manjrekar remains confident in Kohli and Sharma's ability to bounce back, citing their class and experience. However, he insists that the issue of 'special treatment' for certain players has persisted in Indian cricket, potentially hindering their performance and development.

As the series progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Kohli and Sharma can find their form and contribute to the team's success, while also considering the implications of player selection and preparation strategies moving forward.