Indian players are often being accused of prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) more than playing for their own country.
Such accusations were recently doing the rounds as bio-bubble fatigue was cited as one of the main reasons behind India’s Super 12 stage exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
Notably, the Indian players took part in the second half of IPL 2021 just before the start of the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman.
However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri on Friday (November 12) rubbished these claims, asking why someone would not value the special feeling of representing a country of billion.
"Absolutely. No question about it, otherwise you can't have these kinds of performances over the last 5 years. If your mind is not there when playing for the country... which fool would value that (playing for the franchise) over playing for the country.
"They are playing for India, you have got that badge on your chest, watched by billions around the world. You are lucky to be one of the 11 in a country of 1.4 billion people representing your country. So that's all far-fetched, whoever says all that I have no time," Shastri told India Today in an exclusive chat.
After India failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-final, legendary Kapil Dev hinted that some players prioritize IPL over playing for the country.
While Shastri didn’t agree with Kapil, he felt the 1983 World Cup winning captain was right on the daunting schedule of the Indian cricket team.
"Kapil is damn right on the scheduling part of it. I agree totally. It will take its toll. It's not just the BCCI but every cricket board will have to be very careful on schedule. Don't forget, India plays more cricket than any other team, if you add the IPL," he added.
According to Shastri, both the T20 World Cup finalists, Australia and New Zealand, managed their scheduling well heading into the showpiece tournament.
"I won't say that (players priortise IPL over the country). Because the IPL was cancelled (postponed) in April, they had no choice but to put it in the only window that was available which was in September-October. But I don't think it will happen in the future.”
"Don't forget the teams that are playing the World Cup final on Sunday, they have hardly played any cricket in the last 6 months. That makes a huge difference. They have played enough cricket to keep them sharp but they have got enough amount of rest as well."
Ravi Shastri’s tenure as India head coach ended with the team’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign. He has been replaced by Rahul Dravid, who will take charge of the team from the home series against New Zealand, starting November 17.
(With India Today inputs)
