As the Indian Premier League draws nearer, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the players’ fitness and safety, especially in light of the recent injury scares. This year is especially crucial for Indian cricket, as there are several important tournaments coming up, including the ICC ODI World Cup and the ICC Test Championship final.
The BCCI has been closely monitoring the players’ fitness levels and has put in place strict protocols and guidelines to minimize the risk of injury and illness. The players have been given specific fitness regimes to follow, and they are expected to adhere to them strictly. The BCCI has also hired a team of fitness experts to work with the players and help them achieve their peak fitness levels ahead of the tournament.
NCA will monitor player workload
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s directive to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to keep a close watch on the workload of India’s Test and ODI regulars during the IPL underscores the board’s commitment to player welfare. The NCA has been tasked with closely monitoring the fitness levels of players throughout the IPL, with a specific focus on those who are likely to feature in India’s upcoming international matches.
The BCCI’s decision not to rush players carrying niggles or injuries into the IPL is a welcome one, as it reflects a proactive approach to injury prevention and management. By ensuring that players are not pushed beyond their limits, the BCCI is sending a strong message that player welfare is a top priority, even in a tournament as high-profile as the IPL.
The NCA’s role in this regard is crucial, as they will be responsible for assessing the workload of players and providing guidance on how to manage their fitness levels. This could involve recommending rest days, reduced training loads, or other interventions to prevent injury and ensure that players are able to perform at their best.
World Cup given top-priority
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah and the recent injury to Shreyas Iyer have dealt a blow to the Indian cricket team, especially in a year that features the ICC ODI World Cup and the ICC Test Championship final. Bumrah, who has been one of India’s key bowlers in all formats of the game, has been out of action since his last game in September 2022, and his return to the team remains uncertain.
The fitness and workload management of fast bowlers will be a key focus for the BCCI and team management during the IPL, particularly for Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. With Jasprit Bumrah out of action, the onus will be on these two fast bowlers to perform at their best in the upcoming tournaments. These two will be on NCA’s radar as India can not risk any more injuries ahead of the World Cup.
If it comes down to it, players should be retracted from the IPL and given mandatory rest, as directed by Jay Shah. For the first time ever, BCCI has taken such harsh a decision. Cricket pundits are lauding the decision as injuries have costed India the trophy in the past.
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