Shubman Gill’s unfortunate injury has started a conversation about workload management. Fast bowlers get rested, but no one really talks about batters. Since February, Gill has been playing non-stop cricket. But the intensity has picked up since September.
He’s been switching countries and formats. He played in the T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, then Test cricket in India, travelled to Australia for white-ball and is now back to red-ball cricket. All of this in around 2 months.
It’s uncertain whether the jam-packed schedule was the reason behind Gill’s neck injury. But it’s an issue without a doubt. On top of this, Gill also leads India in two formats and is the deputy in the other one.
Skip IPL, play for India
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has revealed that he asked India head coach Gautam Gambhir about workload management. Gambhir’s response was that no player would be granted time off. If they feel exhausted, they should skip the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I asked Gautam Gambhir exactly that (about Gill’s workload management). His point was that if you need workload management, then skip the IPL,” Aakash said during the Media Day ahead of the India vs South Africa 2nd Test.
Give up GT captaincy?
The former opener gave his personal opinion as well. He thinks perhaps giving up the captaincy in the IPL could be the option. Having the responsibility takes a toll on you. Maybe Gill can give up being the Gujarat Titans (GT) captain and play as a batter to maximise your batting output and keep yourself fresh mentally.
“If you feel that leading an IPL team puts too much pressure, then don’t lead. While playing, (if) you are fit and not mentally fatigued… you can turn up with 100 per cent intensity and play every single game you can – as a batter – I second the opinion that when you are going through a good form, you really want to maximise. You never know when the bad form (will hit you) or where the next run is going to come from. We have all gone through those feelings,” he added.
Manage workload during IPL
Aaksh cited the example of Virat Kohli, who managed to not just play all three formats and the IPL but also lead for many years. But he understands what Gambhir said. He also agrees that perhaps giving up captaincy or resting matches in the IPL could be the way forward.
“Virat Kohli did this for years together. Played all three formats, never took a break, and never saw the intensity going down either. I think Gill is walking on the same path, charting the same course. Now, it’s a freak injury. I hope he gets fit and plays in Guwahati because India missed him at the Eden.”
“Again, that’s a very individual thing. I kind of concur with Gautam’s opinion that when you play for India, you play for India. If you need a break, then take it for a few games or from the captaincy duties to lighten the workload in IPL. And not really talk about workload management, definitely as a batter when you’re playing for India,” he added.
