Virat Kohli to sit and discuss players' workload

Indian cricket team has been under a hectic playing schedule ever since the start of the Champions Trophy after which they toured West Indies and Sri Lanka. They returned home for the limited-overs leg against Australia and now facing the touring New Zealand side. After the conclusion of the series against Kiwis, India will face Sri Lanka once again at home before touring for a two-month tour in South Africa.

The Indian captain, Virat Kohli raised questions over the packed fixtures which could lead to the lack of preparation time before each and every series. He also felt that it will be tough for players to maintain the same consistency throughout the year which could lead towards chopping and changing of squads.

“It has become quite hectic, that is something we will have to sit and discuss. If you look at New Zealand, they have not played any cricket after Champions Trophy, there has been such a good layoff and it can be the difference in doing well in a big tournament or not being able to do well,” said Virat Kohli in the press conference ahead of the 1st ODI against New Zealand.

“We are expected to perform on a consistent basis but rest and time to prepare should be adequate for the athletes as well. This should not be an area where players are chipped and changed according to form, you need to look at all aspects in terms of how many games you are playing and how much rest you are getting… whether you will be able to maintain that consistency for 12 months given the number of matches we play, physically are you able to keep up with it.” The Indian captain said about discussing the workload of the players.

Preserving Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami

Kohli says it is crucial to preserve their key players, especially the fast bowlers ahead of the important series and tournaments. He pointed out on playing Umesh and Shami in only one game since the Test series against Sri Lanka.

“We will have to figure out ways to do that, but it is something we certainly need to discuss in the future as well. How much ever fitness you do, everyone needs rest, everyone needs time to comeback from training, especially the fast bowlers. We’re doing that now with Umesh and Shami; we want them fresh for the Test season,” Kohli concluded.