3 Players who must skip the second half of IPL if India has to win the World Cup

After a lot of deliberations about the tournament’s venue and schedule, the twelfth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) started last Saturday at Chepauk. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to hold the event in India despite the Lok Sabha elections also scheduled during this phase. The board took this call after clearing the security and other issues.

Meanwhile, since the all-important World Cup is set to get underway in May, just days after the conclusion of IPL, the headache for all the teams including India is to keep its players fit for the event. As the mega-league runs over 8 weeks, its quite challenging for players to maintain the workload, with each team having to play nine matches in the World Cup as well.

Many of the players already skipped the tournament while plenty is expected to take rest in the second half of the tournament. In this piece, we look at the three Indian players who must rest in the middle of IPL, if India has to do well or win the World Cup.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya made his way into the Indian team when they were in need of a bowling all-rounder. The Baroda-born cricketer settled himself well in the team as he produced some swashbuckling performances in both batting and bowling departments. Additionally, he expressed himself quite brilliantly in the field as well, handing team India a much-needed all-rounder.

However, the right-hander injured his lower back last year, making him remain out of the following assignments. He recently returned back to the field for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Meanwhile, he is going to play a crucial part for India in the World Cup, be it with his seam bowling or batting down the order. Though the 25-year-old must be fit for that purpose. So, keeping the WC in the mind, he must skip the second half of IPL.

Rohit Sharma

The in-form Indian opener, Rohit Sharma, should also do away with the second half of Indian Premier League if India has to do well in the World Cup this year. The right-handed batsman is the backbone of the side in the limited-overs cricket as he gives them the much-required start at the top. The side has done exceedingly well in the ODIs in recent times, largely due to his consistent run with the bat.

Rohit also acts as vice-captain of the team, so his role gets more important for the World Cup. He not only has to make his bat do the talking but contribute to the team’s decision-making and other important things as well. Since the Mumbaikar also leads Mumbai Indians in the IPL, it would be interesting to see if he takes this important call.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli doubtlessly will play the most important role in India’s tenure at the World Cup. The modern-day batting great has been in phenomenal form in all the three formats for the Men in Blue. He has churned out big knocks on a consistent basis, helping his side in both chasing and forming totals against every opposition.

However, India must have him fully fit and rhythmic before entering the mega-league. For that, Kohli should leave the Indian Premier League mid-way as it’s always hectic to manage so much of workload. Since he was even rested for some international events recently, it won’t be surprising if Royal Challengers Bangalore permits him to skip the half of the tournament.

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