Sunil Gavaskar, a cricketing legend in India, wants the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to deal firmly with the senior players who are seeking time off before important series. He also questioned why they are reluctant to play for their country when they can play nonstop IPL cricket for more than two months.
According to sources, a few experienced players, including former India captain Virat Kohli, have asked the BCCI to keep them out of the five-match T20 series against the West Indies that will start later this month.
Even though Kohli is not participating in the three-match ODI portion of the visit, rumours indicate that he also desires a rest for the T20 series, which gets underway on July 29.
Gavaskar told Sports Tak that he disagrees with the rumoured demand of some seniors to be removed from the T20I series.
"Contrary to what I think, You won't take a break while playing in the IPL, but you will after you've finished representing India. I disagree with this reasoning. Don't talk about rest or anything else; you have to play for India. T20I only lasts for 20 overs and is not physically taxing, "Gavaskar observed.
"In Test cricket, your body and head take a battering, but T20 matches just require you to bat and field for a total of 20 overs, so there is no issue there. The Indian Cricket Board has to review its approach to accommodating players' requests for rest "said Gavaskar.
"The BCCI pays large retainer fees to all A- or A+-grade athletes. Aside from the contract, players are paid significantly to participate in matches. Which business will compensate its chief executives, directors, or managing directors for such lengthy vacations? Is there a company that pays such big salaries for being unemployed? "interrogated Gavaskar.
Gavaskar said that a line must be drawn somewhere if Indian cricket is to become more professional.
"If Indian cricket is to become professional, a line must be drawn; if you want rest, your assurances must be scaled back.
"How can they claim that they won't participate in the Indian cricket team? It is preferable to go out and score some runs and take some wickets than than staying at home, in Gavaskar's opinion.