Team India’s workload management is in the news. The great Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized it. He said it should be removed from Indian cricket’s dictionary. However, he made it clear that he was not talking about Jasprit Bumrah, because the Indian star missed some matches against England due to injury, not workload. Now, another legend has also reacted strongly to workload management. He called it a ‘drama’ and asked if the physio will now select the team.
Bumrah Likely for Asia Cup, May Miss West Indies Test
Talking about Jasprit Bumrah, he played only 3 out of 5 Tests against England. Some former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan, have questioned why he missed important matches. According to a PTI report, Bumrah may play the Asia Cup T20 tournament but could be rested for the first Test against West Indies in October. This star pacer has missed many key matches for India due to injury and workload. He also did not play in the Champions Trophy.
Sandeep Patil Slams Workload Drama
Former BCCI chief selector Sandeep Patil told Mid-Day, “I am surprised why BCCI is agreeing to this. Has the physio become more important than the captain and head coach? Will the physio now sit in selection meetings and make decisions?”
Like Sunil Gavaskar, Patil spoke in a strict tone: “When you are selected for your country, you must give your heart and soul. You are a warrior. I have seen Sunil Gavaskar bat all five days of a match. I have seen Kapil Dev bowl most days of a Test match and then bowl to us in the nets. He never asked for a break and his career lasted over 16 years. I myself played the next Test after being hit on the head in Australia in 1981.”
Patil added, “Modern players have all the facilities. In our time, there was no rehab program. We played despite injuries and were happy to play for the country — no drama.”