New Delhi: India and Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur expressed concerns over the hectic schedule of the Ranji Trophy, emphasizing the need for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reassess the tournament's structure.
Thakur highlighted the challenge of playing 10 matches with only three-day gaps between games, potentially leading to player injuries.
Speaking after an impressive century in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu, Thakur said, "It's difficult because we are playing first-class games in (a) three days' gap - that has never happened in the Ranji Trophy season ever." He raised the alarm about the tightening schedule, suggesting that continuous play under such conditions might result in injuries across the country.
Thakur called for a reevaluation of the schedule by the BCCI in the upcoming season to provide players with more breaks. He compared the current scenario to previous years when players had longer breaks between matches, emphasizing the strain on domestic players.
The Mumbai player cited the example of his team, highlighting the challenges of managing resources and the impact on pacers' recovery time. He acknowledged that the current scheduling leaves insufficient time for fast bowlers to recuperate and could contribute to injuries.
Tamil Nadu skipper R Sai Kishore echoed Thakur's concerns, particularly emphasizing the fatigue faced by fast bowlers due to frequent travel and limited recovery time between matches. He stressed the importance of managing players' workload, especially for pacers.
Despite his outstanding performance, Thakur downplayed the possibility of an immediate international comeback, citing the ongoing Test series and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). He expressed satisfaction with his century and its significance for the team during the Ranji Trophy.
In conclusion, Thakur's remarks shed light on the challenges posed by the current Ranji Trophy schedule and the potential impact on player fitness and performance. The call for a reevaluation by the BCCI underscores the need for a balanced and player-friendly cricket calendar.