According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to firmly oppose the growing practice of players picking games and series based on workload management. The board is working with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to establish a culture where no player is superior to the team in an effort to inculcate equality and discipline within the team.
The challenge of controlling player fatigue in an increasingly hectic schedule has long plagued Indian cricket. But in recent years, veteran players have been choosing not to play in certain series, which has created the impression that the squad is not held to the same standards.
The BCCI feels that now is the ideal moment to create new standards because players like Mohammed Siraj are leading by example with their dedication throughout the five-match Test series in England. In five Test matches in England, Siraj bowled an impressive 185 overs, assisted by Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep.
Gautam Gambhir, who feels that team achievement should take precedence above personal preferences and has always criticised the superstar mentality. This is a result of the selectors’ increased determination to put an end to the “pick and choose” method.
Centrally contracted players, particularly all-format regulars, will soon receive an official reminder that such behaviour will no longer be accepted, according to a top BCCI official.
Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary cricketer, criticised the usage of workload as an excuse and likened it to troops who serve their country under difficult circumstances. Notably, there were a lot of worries when Jasprit Bumrah did not play in the last Test of the England series. According to reports, the BCCI is upset that the pacer missed a significant game and is reviewing the Centre of Excellence’s support structure, including the Sports Science staff, in order to more accurately identify any true fitness issues.
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