The recent remark by India's cricket coach Gary Kirsten that fatigue from too much cricket caused India's early exit from the T20 world cup has evoked strong reactions from across the cricket community. At the moment, nobody seems to concur with him. Former cricketers, both Indian and foreign, think India just had a few bad days with none of its batsmen clicking. That coupled with few tactical errors got India down in crucial games. Though it's always difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, I agree with the observation made by Kirsten, though not with his recommendation of holding back players from IPL.
The Indian team has been on a back to back tournament run since Feb '09. First, the tour of New Zealand, then a series against England, IPL and then this world cup. The rigor of international cricket must have taken its toll by the time Indian team arrived for the T20 event. India's fielding said it all. The fumbles, misses, inability to bend, dive. It was all there for us to see. The fact that team India opted to rest and skip practice ahead of both super 8 matches proves beyond doubt the team was not in the pink of health.
But then, why did Dhoni play it down as a possible reason?
Clearly, there is a conflict of interest between the player's willingness to continue playing the hectic but highly rewarding IPL and performing well in the T20 world cup. No Indian player would openly admit that the fast and furiuos format of IPL has any adverse effect on their fitness level or performance. Even BCCI would support the players in this. Because IPL pays it well too. I am really surprised that none of the former Indian players see any harm in the hectic schedule that the team India is made to go through.
But then, why did Dhoni play it down as a possible reason?
Clearly, there is a conflict of interest between the player's willingness to continue playing the hectic but highly rewarding IPL and performing well in the T20 world cup. No Indian player would openly admit that the fast and furiuos format of IPL has any adverse effect on their fitness level or performance. Even BCCI would support the players in this. Because IPL pays it well too. I am really surprised that none of the former Indian players see any harm in the hectic schedule that the team India is made to go through.
Clearly, holding back players from IPL is not a solution. BCCI would never accept that. IPL can never happen without Indian players. The IPL could be scheduled keeping in mind other international events, so that players get sufficient rest in between tournaments.
Next year, again there is IPL and T20 world cup. I hope India puts on some outstanding performance that its current breed of young and talented players is capable of, instead of making a case for failure analysis.
Next year, again there is IPL and T20 world cup. I hope India puts on some outstanding performance that its current breed of young and talented players is capable of, instead of making a case for failure analysis.
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