Too much cricket has got India, they must start rotating their players: Salman Butt

The third Test match between England and India is underway and the hosts have completely outplayed India on Day one. After having won the first toss of the series, skipper Virat Kohli decided to bat first. The decision however did not go well as the team was wrapped up at just 78. The former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt feels that the major reason behind India’s batting collapse is their packed cricketing schedule.

Team India registered their second-lowest Test total in a year after they were bowled out for 36 against Australia in Adelaide last year in December. In the ongoing third Test, James Anderson wreaked havoc with the ball and removed India’s top order. Further, no batter was able to provide enough resilience as the team experienced a batting collapse. Butt pointed that India should start the rotation policy in order to maintain the focus level of the players.

“Team India plays a lot of cricket and their schedule is completely crammed. When you play too much cricket, no matter how good or professional you are, as a human, sometimes the mind just doesn’t respond. When your focus level falls, your output is bound to decrease. I feel Team India must start rotating their players,” Butt said on his YouTube channel.

They need to rotate two-three players and have the arsenal: Salman Butt

The Indian team has a packed schedule with major tournaments to follow. they have been in England for the World Test Championship and continued their stay for the five-match Test series against the hosts. Post the series, the team will travel to UAE for the IPL and then gear themselves up for the mega event of the T20 World Cup.

Butt highlighted this schedule of India and asserted that though there are no doubts about the skills the players possess, too much of cricket is taking a toll on them.

“You can imagine the amount of matches Team India cricketers are playing. Remember, recently, they had to send a second team to Sri Lanka because of excess engagement. There are no doubts over the quality and skills of Team India’s players. But I feel too much of cricket has got to them. They need to rotate two-three players and have the arsenal. Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur can come in. They can play another batsman as well,” Butt added.