Shubman Gill, who was named Test captain a few months ago, is taking over as ODI captain, ushering in a new era for Indian cricket. Indian Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar said the 2027 World Cup was the reason behind the decision to give him the 50-over leadership.
Even though the major tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia is still two years away, Agarkar stated that long-term planning is difficult due to the irregular scheduling of ODIs. If the coaching staff has to deal with three different captains throughout formats, it becomes even more complicated.
Agarkar clarified during the press conference revealing the limited-overs teams for the Australia series: “Obviously, you have to start thinking at where the next World Cup is at some point. It is also the format that is now played the least. You don’t get enough games to allow the next guy enough time to actually prepare or plan, or if there will be another guy, enough time to do so.
We’re still two years away. We don’t know exactly how many one-day games we might take, but it might seem like a long time. We may end up playing a little bit more than we currently have as the World Cup draws near. Our most recent one-day match, however, was in the Champions Trophy on March 8th or 9th. And we’ll be playing the next one in October 2019.
Agarkar stated, “One-day cricket is a little difficult right now.
The T20 World Cup has, of course, been the main emphasis. However, we will begin preparing for the upcoming World Cup gradually. In this way, it allows the next guy adequate time to prepare for the games we have planned. It is also quite challenging to have three distinct captains for three different formats. Planning with three different people is never simple, not only for selectors but also—and perhaps more importantly—for the coach,” he continued.
Gill has a very busy agenda in the weeks ahead. At the moment, he is in charge of India in the two-Test series against the West Indies, which ends on October 14. The five-match T20I series, in which Gill is vice-captain for the 20-over format, runs from October 29 to November 8. The three ODIs against Australia are scheduled for October 19, 23, and 25. The multi-format series between South Africa and India, which is scheduled from November 14 to December 19, consists of two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
In response to the question of whether Gill’s hectic schedule puts him at risk for burnout, Agarkar said, “Hopefully not. After all, he’s still quite young. We witnessed, after all, what he performed under tremendous circumstances in England. Therefore, there were really encouraging indicators. You have witnessed his batting record in one-day cricket. We hope that burnout won’t occur.
“It is accurate to say that cricket will be a major event in the upcoming months. I’m referring to him specifically, but also to the team management. We’ll do all in our power to manage it. However, we also want to give the player ample time to attempt to get ready for the upcoming World Cup, which is 24 months away but might not involve many games, as I mentioned earlier. Therefore, we want to offer him the best opportunity we can.”
Agarkar downplays the exclusion of Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from the one-day squad for the Australia tour, however, was downplayed by Agarkar, who emphasised that it was more for team balance than a reflection of the all-rounder’s skill.
“With regards to Jaddu, I mean, look at the moment to take two left-arm spinners to Australia is not possible. He’s clearly in the scheme of things with how good he is. But there will be some competition for places. It’s not that he’s… Of course, he was there in the Champions Trophy squad but because we took those extra spinners with the conditions there, at the moment we could only carry one and get some balance in the team with Washi [Washington Sundar] and Kuldeep [Yadav] there as well.
“And I don’t think we would need more than that in Australia (as far as) spin (is concerned). But he’s clearly in the scheme of things, Jaddu, with how good he is, what he offers us as a batter and a bowler, but particularly in the field as well. So, it’s a short series, you can’t accommodate everyone and unfortunately at the moment he’s missing out, but it’s nothing more than that,” Agarkar said.
Regarding Bumrah’s workload – he’s been rested for the Australia one-dayers but is part of the T20I squad – Agarkar added: “We’ve already rested him for the one-day games. When we can manage his workload, we will do that. Like I said in the previous press conference, there was a month and a half or close to that five weeks or something since that Manchester Test that he played. There is always a plan. Wherever you can give him a break, you will.
“Because we all know how important he is. But we’ve also got to see what’s in the interest of the team. And when we need him to play, he’s always available. But we will look after not just him. Siraj bowls a lot of overs as well. There are other guys who do play test cricket who will end up having a lot of bowling to do. So we will try and manage all the seniors so that we minimise the risk of injuries,” said Agarkar.
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