Patil Criticises Workload Management, Calls it 'Nonsense'

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-08 14:56:27 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 01:57:46

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Sandeep Patil, the former Indian cricketer and selector, has a problem with the notion of 'workload management' in cricket, calling it 'nonsense' in an interview with CNN-News18. This comes as a shock, considering Patil's former teammate, Sunil Gavaskar OE, advocated strongly for rest and workload management for cricketers, especially after seeing the injury woes faced by many players in India's IPL.

Patil, who was also the chairman of the national selection committee when India won the World Cup in 2011, stressed the importance of fitness for cricketers, claiming that rest should be scheduled analytically, taking into account the physical and mental condition of the player, and not based on generic assumptions. He believes that each player and situation is unique and requires individual consideration, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Patil criticised BCCI's policy on the matter, questioning the rationale behind denying players the opportunity to play competitive cricket at the highest level simply because they are seen as 'overexposed'. Patil argued that playing more cricket would rather help players to get into the groove and maintain their fitness levels. His thoughts illustrate a stark contrast to the decisions made by the BCCI recently, particularly regarding the ODI captaincy saga involving Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.

This viewpoint poses a challenge to the usual school of thought on cricket workload management. While it raises questions about the sensitivity and awareness of the board to the needs of its players, it may also spark discussions on the importance of individualised strategies in handling player workloads.

Perhaps this controversy will lead to a reevaluation of the management and development of cricket players, or it could simply be dismissed as a rant from a former player who misses his time in the sun.

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