Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concern over Indian pacers unable to stay fit for a long period of time. His remarks come amid multiple injury concerns in India’s fast bowling battery, including that of Akash Deep. India are running short of pace options in the IND vs ENG series, with Akash Deep struggling, Bumrah having just one more game left to play, Nitish Reddy ruled out and Arshdeep Singh unavailable for the 4th Test.
“Akash Deep is bearing example”
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar pointed out that India did have a lot of pace bowling options but they were players who were inexperienced. He noted that Akash Deep struggled to keep himself fit despite not having bowled a lot recently.
“But it’s just the kind of scenario we have. With the IPL, white-ball and Test cricket, we don’t have our fast bowlers staying fit for long enough. Akash Deep is a bearing example. It’s not like this is a guy who has bowled a lot through the season and hence now not fit or workload management that wasn’t properly addressed with him,” Manjrekar said.
Manjrekar further credited Siraj for staying fit and ready for any match, although he may look off colour. He said that the inability of Indian pacers to stay fit for a long time was a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Further, Manjrekar said that while science and modern medicene was supposed to help pacers stay fit, the result was the exact opposite, with more players having breakdowns.
“Siraj is a great example. He might be off colour for a while but he stays fit and rearing to go. That is where I think it has become a serious issue where you just don’t have Indian seam bowlers staying fit for long enough. That is an issue that has to be addressed by Indian cricket,” Manjrekar added.
