With the fast-approaching WTC final and the ODI World Cup, workload management has once again become a major topic of discussion in Indian cricket.
Earlier this year, the BCCI had said that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) will work in tandem with the IPL franchises to monitor the workload of players shortlisted for the 50-over World Cup at home in October-November.
After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy came to an end, skipper Rohit Sharma also confirmed that the workload of players will be monitored during the IPL and Indian players, whose teams won't make it to the play-offs, will depart early for a two-week conditioning camp in UK ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia.
On Monday (March 13), the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw while New Zealand registered a thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Christchurch. As a result, the Indian team sealed a place in the WTC final.
"It's quite critical for us. We are going to keep in constant touch with all the players who are going to play that final and monitor their workload and see what's happening with them," Rohit replied to a query from PTI at a press conference after India won the series against Australia 2-1 in Ahmedabad.
"Around 21st May, there will be six teams who will be possibly out of IPL play-off contention and so whichever players are available, we will try and find time to get them to UK early as possible and get some time and we will monitor as much as possible," he added.
Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav are likely to be India’s frontline pacers for the WTC final, scheduled to be held at The Oval in London from June 7-11.
All three fast bowlers are expected to be a regular feature for their respective IPL teams and monitoring their workload will be important.
"In fact, we are sending some (red) Duke Balls to all fast bowlers and if they get some time to bowl with that but again it all depends on individuals," Rohit stated.
In England, Duke balls are used in Tests while SG and Kookaburra are used in India and Australia respectively.
"Guys who will be part of finals are not the guys who have not played in the UK. May be there could be one or two guys here and there and rest all of us have played in that part of the world. I don't think it will be a huge problem. Look, I believe that preparations will be key for us, come the finals."
Even though India dominated Australia for the most part of Border-Gavaskar 2023, the Indian captain feels the WTC final at The Oval will be a different ball game altogether.
"Speaking of playing them (Australia) in the finals, it will be a different ball game with neutral venue for both teams."
"Both teams have played lot of cricket in that part of the world and I won't say it will be alien conditions for both teams but yes, compared to what it is like playing India in India or Australia in Australia, it is not going to be like that, it would be slightly different from that which I am sure both teams will prepare for it," Rohit said.
(With PTI Inputs)
