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With the exciting five-match Test series between England and India culminating in a 2-2 draw after India’s epic six-run win in an edge of the seat thriller in The Oval Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to take some bold decisions. After the Indian cricket board earlier put forward some strict guidelines that the players, along with the team management, including the support staff has to abide by it, the BCCI is in no mood to loosen the strings.
While there have been talks of the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar committed to ending star culture, the team has remained tight-lipped over Jasprit Bumrah. While the Indian cricket board had looked displeased with Bumrah playing only three Tests despite the chief selector and the head coach remaining on their stance to play him for only three Test matches, this gesture hasn’t rested well with the BCCI.
Gambhir, Agarkar to end ‘pick and choose’ culture: Reports
A report by PTI stated that Bumrah’s body not being able to take the workload of given Test matches ‘has not gone well’ with the BCCI. The star pacer’s fitness also raised concerns over the sports science team at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where the Indian pacer completed his rehab. Amidst this, there have been reports making rounds on the internet stating that Gambhir and Agarkar are set to issue ultimatum which will not let players pick and chose games.
"There have been discussions and the message will be sent across to the centrally contracted players, especially those who are all format regulars that this culture of picking and choosing games won't be entertained in near future. It doesn't mean that workload management will be thrown out of the window but a more objective approach is expected in near future. Obviously, fast bowlers' workload needs to be managed but it can't be accepted that in the name of workload management, people will miss crucial matches," a senior BCCI official was quoted saying by PTI.
This has come into picture seeing Mohammed Siraj play all five Test matches in the recently-concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In the 10 innings, he bowled a total of 185.3 overs, and picked up 23 wickets, highest in the series.
