Sunil Gavaskar slams senior Indian players for seeking rest in international series: Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has slammed senior Indian players for taking a rest after every international series. He questioned players’ commitments towards their game as BCCI rests them for the upcoming T20I series against West Indies.
The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya have been rested for the five matches T20I series against West Indies. Shikhar Dhawan has been named the team’s captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence.
“See, I do not agree with this concept of players resting. Not at all. ‘You don’t take rest during IPL, then why ask for it while playing for India? I don’t agree with it. You will have to play for India. Don’t talk about rest,” Gavaskar said in an interview with Sports Tak.
Gavaskar added that there should be absolutely no issues for players in playing the shortest format on the bounce. However, he admitted that playing test cricket takes a toll on the body.
“T20 format consists of only 40 overs in the entire match. Playing this short form of cricket will not take a toll on your body. Playing Test matches is a different scenario altogether. I get that. It might affect you. But playing T20 cricket should not be a problem for the players.”
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It is important to note that, all the senior players missed the home T20I series against South Africa. They were also not part of the two matches T20I series in Ireland. Moreover, Rohit also missed the one-off test against England due to covid, so the general view that floated in the market was – at least Rohit should play regular and reduce stress off head coach Rahul Dravid, who had to work with multiple new captains in his short tenure.
The ‘Little Master’ asserted that the BCCI should intervene and look into this new concept of resting players in every alternate series.
“I honestly feel that the BCCI needs to look into this concept of rest. All the Grade A cricketers have received very good contracts. They receive payment for every match. Tell me if there is any company whose CEO, or MDs get so much time off?”
“I feel that if Indian cricket is to become more professional, a line needs to be drawn. If you want to be rested, you need to reduce your guarantees. Then you take rest, because you don’t want to play. But how can anyone say that I don’t want to play for the Indian team. Which is why I do not agree to the concept.”
