Gavaskar stressed that Indian cricketers are not machines and urged decision-makers to recognise the limits of what players can handle. He also warned that failing to give domestic cricket proper priority could make it difficult for India to produce world-class players.
Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar, “For India, the cricket season never ends. Domestic cricket is also somehow taking a back seat to keep international cricket going. Because of this, new talent is not coming forward in India. The BCCI had decided in an earlier meeting that all this would be considered while planning future series. This would ensure that cricketers can prepare in the right manner.”
In his article, Gavaskar said that when the ICC discusses the international cricket calendar, decision-makers must remember that players are not machines. He also questioned the widely held perception about the depth of India’s reserves.
“It is fine to boast to the world that India has the strength to field three teams at the same time. But the truth is that the results of some matches have shown that there is a struggle,” Gavaskar said while commenting on the strength of India’s reserve players.
Gavaskar further said that winning the gold medal at the Asian Games will certainly boost the players’ confidence ahead of the upcoming series. However, he maintained that India would not be able to produce world-class players unless domestic cricket is given the appropriate priority.
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia clarified that the board would focus on providing players with adequate rest before important tours such as those to South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia. “There will be an emphasis on giving players sufficient rest before important tours such as South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia. This will give players enough time to adapt to the conditions there and play practice matches,” Saikia said.
The BCCI will also raise the issue at the ICC meeting scheduled to take place this month. The focus on workload management, preparation time and domestic cricket underlines the growing importance of balancing international commitments with the development of India’s next generation of players.
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