Virat Kohli has certainly been one of the fittest guys in the cricketing field, injuries have never been attached to him in the last 14-15 years of his cricketing carrier. Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, when asked about IPL being blamed for Indian players’ injuries like Shreyas Iyer, cited Kohli’s example to counter this argument.
Arun Singh Dhumal thinks players have to decide the longevity of their careers-
“The problem in our country is that whosoever makes money, be it a company or individual, he is seen with suspicion. Virat Kohli has been playing IPL for so many years, he’s never been injured. Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami never got injured. Does it have anything to do with the IPL?” said the IPL chairman.
The right-handed batsman, Shreyas Iyer was to lead Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the forthcoming IPL 2023. However, a recurring lower-back injury has dashed his hopes for the time being. Shreyas Iyer suffered the injury while fielding during the third Test against Australia in Indore earlier this month.
“Shreyas Iyer got injured but not because of the IPL. Just because they make money through IPL, we start blaming IPL for anything and everything. Injuries are an integral part of any sport. Our badminton stars are getting injured. They don’t play in the IPL. There are so many stars who are coming from overseas and playing in the IPL,” he further added.
Series W ?? Onto the WTC final ✌️Gutted to have missed out on the last few days but I’ll return stronger. Thank you for all the messages ? pic.twitter.com/Td9M5qScBM
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) March 13, 2023
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly asked the Indian fast bowlers participating in the ongoing IPL 2023 to increase their workload, while a section of Indian cricketers has been told to take care of their fitness, bodies, avoid overexertion and monitor the volume of work.
It is also reported that coming into the second half of the IPL 2023, Indian bowlers would be seen working more in the nets, maybe even with the red ball, keeping in mind the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be played just a week after the IPL ends.
“In case we have to see longevity for a cricketer, they will have to make a choice. Either keep playing every format, every game for a few years or rest for some matches and make a long career,” concluded Arun Singh.
Meanwhile, after the end of IPL 2023 on May 28, India is scheduled to face off against Australia in the WTC 2023 final from June 7-11 at the Oval in London.