The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is allegedly preparing to take a tough stance against the growing tendency of players selecting games and series based on workload management. In order to teach discipline and equality in the squad, the board, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, is aiming to establish a culture in which no player is above the team.
Managing player fatigue during an increasingly busy schedule is not new to Indian cricket. Nevertheless, in the recent years, a trend of better players opting out of certain series has become the cause of worry as it suspected the lack of equal standards within the team.
As representation by players such as Mohammed Siraj sets an example of commitment during the five-match test series in England, BCCI feels that it is time to redefine expectations. Remarkably, Siraj, bowled at least 185 overs in five Tests in England, with the shoulder of Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep.
Gautam Gambhir has always been opposed to the superstar mentality, believing that team achievement should take precedence over individual preferences. This comes as the selectors have intensified their commitment to stop the ‘pick and choose’ approach. A senior BCCI official stated that centrally contracted players, particularly all-format regulars, will be officially informed that such behaviour will no longer be permitted.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar condemned the usage of workload as an excuse, comparing it to troops who serve their country in difficult circumstances. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah’s withdrawal from the last Test of the England series generated some concerns. The BCCI is allegedly upset that the pacer missed a vital match and is reviewing the support structure at the Centre of Excellence, including the Sports Science staff, to better detect genuine fitness issues.
