Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The second leg of IPL is progressing well in the UAE. Five matches have already been played and the points table has also seen some significant changes. However, the absence of some marquee players in the teams’ playing XI has become the talking point of the tournament.
The absence of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in Mumbai Indian’s playing XI in their match against Chennai Super Kings sparked a debate over social media. Kieron Pollard also did not give a good enough reply to this question at the toss. However, coach Mahela Jayawardene tried to explain the reason behind it, which sounded sensible. But Hardik Pandya was once again rested against KKR. However, Mumbai lost both their games and thus people got a point to talk on.
A report tried to solve the mystery and came up with an answer that seemed somehow relatable. The report said that the BCCI has asked IPL franchises to manage the workload of T20 World Cup-bound players. However, this answer has now been dismissed by a BCCI official who says that no such directive has been issued. The BCCI official has clearly dismissed such claims and added that resting a player totally depends on the team and the player involved.
“We haven’t passed any information to any team with regards to workload management. If a player is rested, it has to be the call of the franchise and the player,” the official in cricket.com.
Franchise official confirms there is no diktat from BCCI
A franchise official also confirmed that no such diktat has been issued and added that the franchises have always worked closely with the board in ensuring that the players remain in top shape throughout the tournament.
“It is very hot and the humidity can sometimes get to even the fittest player in the team. So, we are looking to rotate some of the players with an eye on workload management. Players are always the priority and everyone is on the same page when it comes to this. But no, no diktat from the BCCI on this, and honestly they also know it isn’t needed as franchises have always worked closely with the board in ensuring players are in top shape while playing the league,” the franchise official said.