Nagpur: Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday made it clear to the BCCI that cramped scheduling was interfering in way of their preparations for big overseas tours such as the upcoming one of South Africa.
As a result of this, the Indians, having no other option would have to get adequate match practice by playing in green and bouncy tracks during this ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Also, India would get just two days after this series against the Lankans end before they fly off to South Africa on December 27 to play three Test matches, six ODIs and three T20Is.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Nagpur, Kohli said, “…unfortunately we get only two days before we fly to South Africa after this series gets over. So we have no choice but try to be in a game situation and think of what’s coming ahead of us.”
He further added, “Had we got a month off ideally, we would have done a proper preparation in a camp sort of scenario but we have to sort of make do with what we have.”
The 29-year-old also spoke about the fact people always judge their overseas performances but do not take into account these factors, which shouldn’t be the case.
“As usual cramped for time, which I think we needed to assess in future as well because we very easily assess the team when go abroad but we don’t look at how many days we have got to prepare before we go to a particular place to play,” said the skipper.
The Indian cricketers have been continuously playing cricket since the IPL. There was the Champions Trophy which was followed by away tours to the West Indies and Sri Lanka and then there was two back-to-back limited over series against Australia and New Zealand at home respectively. Now, they are playing Sri Lanka for a second time this year. After this series, India would have played a total of 23 matches (three Tests, 11 ODIs and nine T20Is).
Acting BCCI President CK Khanna, in an interaction with PTI said that Kohli’s viewpoint should be assessed.
“Virat is the Indian captain and his view point on cricketing matters should be taken with utmost seriousness. We are proud how the team is performing but if players are feeling fatigued, we need to have a broader view on the issue,” said Khanna.
He also said that the Indian board needs to analyse the spacing of matches while scheduling a home series in the future.
“I think we should analyse if it is a good option to have three back-to-back series with hardly any break for the players. It will be great if this can also be included in the agenda for the December 9, Special General Meeting,” he added.