'Listen, we need them' - Former India coach advises Indian team management on players' workload management

The former Indian cricketer said that the players and the board need to have serious talk over their hectic schedule before major tournaments

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Rohit Kumar
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Indian Cricket Team (Source - Twitter)

Indian Cricket Team (Source - Twitter)

The Indian cricket team lost the three-match ODI series against Australia by 2-1. In the last match played on 22 March, Australia defeated India by 21 runs and captured the series. Now, the Indian players will be seen in the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League starting on 31st March.

The richest cricket league in the world is just a few days away and will run for about 2 months. India and Australia will clash again in the Test Championship final which will take place between June 7-11 at The Oval. However, now the discussions related to workload management and injury of the players have started once again. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri shared his thought on players’ workload management, he also mentioned that the volume of cricket matches is increased in recent years.

"I find it hard to imagine (increase in injuries). You look at the era we played in, and the facilities that were available at that time. You found players playing 8-10 years easily. A lot of them would play for 8-10 months of the year. I really don't know. probably the volume of cricket has increased, no questions about that. There are different leagues around the world. The rest period is decreasing," Shastri told SportsYaari.

Board has to take the stand there: Ravi Shastri

With the Test championship final to be held in June, this year is also important for the Indian team as they will be taking part in the Asia Cup as well as the biggest tournament of cricket, the 50-over World Cup in October and November. Shastri opined that the cricket board should tell the franchise to give break to some senior players considering the major tournaments.

"The establishment and players will have to sit across the table. You need that much cricket and you need to give certain break. Even if it happens to be the Indian T20 League. Board has to take the stand there, tell the franchises, 'listen, we need them. India need them. For India's sake, if he doesn't play those games, it will be good," he added.

India Indian Premier League Ravi Shastri