KOLKATA: Workload management has gained new significance ever since the cricket calendar got used to relentless action. India, who had their longest home season in 2016-17, played 16 Tests and 29 ODIs in that period.
This aspect came into focus when Hardik Pandya was rested after being named in the squad for the first two Tests. With tougher engagements coming up, there are also talks that key players including Virat Kohli might be rested. But the skipper added that rest and rotation need to be handled carefully.
“If you have too much cricket, with guys who play all three formats, it’s humanly impossible to maintain the same level of performance. For players who don’t play everywhere, adequate practice is necessary. For this, balance needs to be maintained. These details are very important while managing workload,” Kohli said, a day before the first Test against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens.
Selectors MSK Prasad & Co have started treating each case individually. While overworked players have been rested, those short on match rhythm have been asked to play in the domestic circuit and come back in working condition. Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma were rested from the previous round of Ranji Trophy, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul were asked to represent their states. This policy has seen the emergence of new specialists. Umesh Yadav, Shami, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant have been preserved for the longest format, with Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel groomed mostly for limited-over cricket.
Of the 16 Tests India have played since last season, Umesh has played all but one. Shami played only nine owing to injury. Umesh played 14 out of the 29 ODIs and Shami only three. It shows that both are considered for the longer format.
“Everyone needs time to come back from training, especially the fast bowlers. We are doing that with Umesh and Shami as we want them fresh for the Test season coming up. We don’t want to overtire players,” Kohli had said at the beginning of the ODI series against New Zealand last month.
This policy has had its benefits. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Bumrah have grown into limited-over specialists, Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have emerged from the shadow of Ashwin and Jadeja. “This policy has paid rich dividends, as we have managed to build a strong core of 20-25 players. Also, this rotation will help prevent avoid important players breaking down at important times for the team. When they come back refreshed, they will give that bit extra for the team, which is a bonus,” Kohli elaborated.
It has been a while since fans watched spin-twins Ashwin and Jadeja and the pace troika working in unison. Maybe their competitive instincts will keep India on their toes and help guard against complacency.
ayantan@newindianexpress.com