The BCCI is reportedly set to monitor the workload of Team India players during the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023). The sixteenth edition of the tournament is scheduled to begin on March 31.
Team India have struggled with a spate of injuries in the recent months. Such has been the situation that even the role of National Cricket Academy is under the scanner after several players suffered injury right after completing their rehabilitation at the academy.
In recent months, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar and Washington Sundar have spend a good amount of time at the NCA due to their persistent injury issues. On the other hand, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has not played a competitive game since September last year due to a back injury. Recently, Shreyas Iyer also suffered a lower back injury.
And with the ongoing year a very crucial one for Indian cricket, the BCCI is not willing to take any chance with regards to player fitness. Right after IPL 2023 ends, India will take on Australia in the World Test Championship final before setting their sights on the 50-over World Cup.
To ensure that Team India do not suffer any big injury blow, the BCCI has decided to keep a close eye on the players during the IPL. According to a report from News18 CricketNext, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has already instructed the NCA to keep a close watch on India Test and ODI regulars and monitor their workload right through the IPL.
The BCCI has made it clear that any player carrying a niggle or injury should not be rushed for the T20 league in any circumstances.
“It’s very clear. It’s a very crucial year and we don’t want any last minute injuries. All stakeholders have been informed that under no circumstances (will) a player be rushed to play IPL fixtures. If anyone is carrying an injury or niggle, the BCCI medical team and NCA will monitor,” an official close to the developments told the news outlet.
The report further spoke about Iyer whose participation in IPL 2023 is highly doubtful due to the lower back injury. Iyer is reportedly set to miss at least the first half of the season as he has been advised to rehab and take rest.
“Shreyas is being constantly monitored by the physios of the BCCI and he too will not be rushed for the IPL until and unless he gets the necessary clearances and completes his recovery. Not just Shreyas, any player carrying any niggle or injury will continue to be monitored by the BCCI,” said the official.
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