Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has stated that he is completely opposed to Indian cricketers taking breaks during series, especially seniors. His statements have come in the wake of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya being given a rest ahead of India's ODI series against the West Indies beginning later this month.
According to reports, Kohli, whose batting woes have become a major talking point in the cricketing fraternity has reportedly wanted to be rested for the entirety of the West Indies tour, which also includes five T20Is.
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Gavaskar spoke on the subject, saying that asking to be rested when playing for India is simply unacceptable and that if cricket players do not miss the IPL, they have a good enough reason to not accord international cricket the same respect.
"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. There are only 20 overs in an innings in T20. That does not take any toll on your body. In Test matches, the mind and the body take a toll, I get that. But I don't think there is much problem in T20 cricket," he told Sports Tak.
The former India captain then emphasized that it is about time for the BCCI to step in and address the ‘rest policy’ which has spread throughout Indian cricket while also pointing out that strict actions need to be taken and mentioned that top players should either be given the liberty to pick and choose series or have their contracts altered accordingly.
"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," he added.
After winning the three-match T20I series against England by 2-1, the ‘Men in Blue’ will take on the same opposition for a three-ODI series which begins on Tuesday (July 12).
(SPORTS TAK INPUTS)
