Sunil Gavaskar Raises Concerns about India’s Player Fitness Amid Injury Issues
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed concerns regarding India’s player fitness protocols following a spate of injuries sidelining several star players. Among those currently injured are Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Washington Sundar, raising alarms about how the team manages physical health, especially under the scrutiny of head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
Gavaskar, while defending the physiotherapists at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, suggested that the real issue lies in the training methods used. He pointed out the increasing frequency of hamstring injuries among players and highlighted the need for a thorough review of how athletes prepare for matches.
VVS Laxman, the Head of Cricket for the BCCI, recently addressed the function of the Centre of Excellence and reaffirmed the role of the physiotherapists, stating that it’s more than just a rehabilitation center. Gavaskar echoed this sentiment, insisting that it’s unjust to blame the medical staff when the problem may stem from training practices.
“Injuries like those seen with Bumrah’s knee or the persistent hamstring issues among others show that something isn’t right in training. These injuries often occur during crucial games, yet the blame falls on the physios,” Gavaskar mentioned in his column, emphasizing the need for better training strategies.
The former cricketer also questioned the restrictions often placed on bowlers during practice, specifically concerning biomechanics and workload management. He noted that in some cases, bowlers are limited to a mere 20 balls in practice, which he sees as inadequate preparation for match scenarios where they may bowl significantly more.
Additionally, he pointed out that focusing too heavily on gym workouts may not be the best approach. Gavaskar stressed the importance of match readiness over purely being fit in the gym, suggesting that a deeper examination into the recurring injuries is crucial.
India’s captain, Shubman Gill, has also voiced his concerns following an ODI series loss to England. He lamented the constant changes in the playing XI due to injuries, especially with the World Cup approaching where rigorous match schedules await.
As discussions around player fitness and injury management continue, Gavaskar’s insights aim to shift focus towards a broader evaluation of training techniques rather than solely pointing fingers at the Centre of Excellence physiotherapists. With numerous players struggling to remain fit, the Indian cricketing community is left to ponder effective solutions to these persistent issues.
