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Many former cricketers have expressed their views on the Indian cricket team’s senior players asking for breaks. With reports of Virat Kohli demanding a break from the entire West Indies series, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his dissent. The 73-year-old has questioned senior players seeking breaks from international games and not IPL games.
Gavaskar said that these senior players must play for India if they don’t seek breaks during the IPL. "See I do not agree with this concept of players resting. Not at all. You don't take rest during IPL, then why ask for it while playing for India? I don't agree with it. You will have to play for India. Don't talk about rest,” said Gavaskar. The former India opener further opined that playing T20 games don’t take as much toll on the body as playing Tests.
“There are only 20 overs in an innings in T20. That does not take any toll on your body. In Test matches, the mind and the body take a toll, I get that. But I don't think there is much problem in T20 cricket," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.
BCCI needs to look into this concept of rest: Gavaskar
The legendary cricketer further demanded the intervention of the Indian cricket board into the matter and take stricter actions. Gavaskar feels the need for a line drawn if Indian cricket is to become more professional. "I honestly feel that the BCCI needs to look into this concept of rest. All the Grade A cricketers have received very good contracts. They receive payment for every match. Tell me if there is any company whose CEO, or MDs get so much time off?
“I feel that if Indian cricket is to become more professional, a line needs to be drawn. If you want to be rested, you need to reduce your guarantees. Then you take rest, because you don't want to play. But how can anyone say that I don't want to play for the Indian team. Which is why I do not agree to the concept," Gavaskar added.