Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Many fans were surprised when Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya were excluded from the playing XI of Mumbai Indians in their match against Chennai Super Kings. Cricket experts assumed that the duo was injured and hence was not part of the Playing XI. However, head coach Mahela Jayawardene later confirmed that both the players were fit and were given a break. This left the fans confused. However, the reason behind giving the break to the duo has now been revealed.
According to reports, the BCCI has requested the franchises to give T20 World Cup-bound players some rest to manage the players’ workload.
“Rohit Sharma is a key player in the World Cup and we don’t want to take any risk. Mumbai Indians did the right thing by resting him for the first match. He still has a bruise on his knee. We have advised both Rohit and Mumbai Indians to consider the World Cup as a priority and take adequate rest,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying to InsideSport.
Notably, Mumbai Indians have 6 players in their squad who are part of the T20 World Cup. BCCI wants to give players some rest before the all-important tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma were also part of the 5-match Test series against England and played all 4 matches. Bumrah bowled 151 overs in Tests and also batted for nearly 25 overs in the series.
“Bumrah has done well in terms of fitness. But obviously, he is a key player in not just World Cup but also the Test against New Zealand. He is eager to play all the matches in IPL but managing his workload will be crucial. We have advised Mumbai to consider that. But it is up to them to take a call. BCCI cannot force a franchise to rest a player if he is not carrying any injury,” the BCCI official added.
BCCI are also a bit worried about Virat Kohli’s form, who will be leading for the last time in the format. The board has reportedly left it up to the RCB skipper to take a rest or get his form back.
The IPL 2021 final will be played on October 15 and India will play their first T20 World Cup match on October 24 against their arch-rival Pakistan.