Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, has recently responded to suggestions that senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might participate in the forthcoming Duleep Trophy.
Shah clarified that the board does not feel that it is necessary for these old hands to be able to participate into the domestic tournament.
While acknowledging that the Duleep Trophy is a valuable ground for young players, Shah emphasized on why workload management should matter most for such established players like Sharma and Kohli.
Shah said, “We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury. If you have noticed, in Australia and England every international player does not play domestic cricket. We have to treat them with respect.” (ANI)
The comment from Shah shows BCCI’s strategic fashioning out of proper plans to ensure fitness and availability of key members over a long period of time. Although participation in Duleep Trophy aids match practice; it might also augment fatigue or injury risks especially among heavily earmarked cricketers who are thought about as central figures when it comes to all three formats of this game.
The decision from BCCI is part of today’s trend where boards are becoming an increasing number wary about managing their senior cricketers’ workload. This approach tries to bridge between creating opportunities for local players while caring about those who are already good players and at times its demands can be too much forcing people into making such kinds of decisions.
“No one else except those two named above: everybody else is playing even though you may not realize that but I would want you guys to consider this since Ishan Kishan along with Shreyas Iyer happen to be participating at present,” he added by saying so.
Conversely, this position taken by the board emphasizes on load management strategy aimed at facilitating more games for seniors amidst busy international schedules.
Meanwhile, in recent times, Virat has been seen in London with viral photos that he posted on social media.
