India cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid has echoed the concerns raised by Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur regarding the demanding schedule of domestic cricket in India. Rahul Dravid believes the BCCI needs to take a closer look at managing player workload to ensure their well-being.
Tightly packed calendar raises concerns
The ongoing Ranji Trophy season, which began in January and concludes in mid-March, has seen matches played with a mere three-day gap. This breakneck pace has drawn criticism from players, with Shardul Thakur highlighting the potential impact on player fitness and overall well-being.
Players voices need to be Heard ft Shardul Thakur
Rahul Dravid acknowledges the validity of these concerns. He emphasizes the importance of listening to players who are directly affected by the demanding schedule. “We need to hear the players because they are the ones going through the grind and putting their bodies on the line,” he stated.
Long Ranji Trophy season taking toll
Rahul Dravid emphasizes the length of the domestic season, which can be particularly taxing for players vying for national selection. “The Ranji Trophy is a long season, and if you add a Duleep and a Deodhar to that…the best players, the guys who are pushing for selection for India, are the ones that end up playing the most cricket. So, it can get quite tough on a lot of those boys,” he explained.
Finding a Sustainable Solution ft BCCI
The current structure puts a strain on India’s top talents, potentially leading to injuries and diminished performance. Dravid urges the BCCI to find a solution that balances player development with a sustainable workload. “They (the BCCI) have to re-look at it and give more breaks,” he concluded, echoing Shardul Thakur’s sentiment.
The BCCI now faces the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by both Dravid and the players. Can they create a domestic schedule that fosters player development without compromising their health?
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