Former veteran batsman Sunil Gavaskar says that he does not leave the Indian Premier League i.e. IPL, then why does he want rest to play for the country.
Gavaskar raised a question on the BCCI’s selection policy over the rest given to the star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah for the first T20 series against South Africa, then the T20 series against Ireland, and now the ODI series against West Indies.
Sunil Gavaskar said on Sports Tak, “Look, I don’t agree with players resting (during India matches). Not at all. You are playing for India. You don’t rest during IPL, but Rest while playing for India. I don’t agree with that. You have to play for India. Don’t talk about rest. There are only 20 overs in an innings in T20. It doesn’t put much weight on your body. In Test matches, there is load on the mind and body, but in T20 cricket there is no such problem (in playing).”
Gavaskar said, “I honestly think BCCI needs to look at the concept of giving rest. All Grade A cricketers have got very good contracts. They get paid for every match. Tell me if any company Whose CEO, or MD gets rest for so long? I think if Indian cricket is to become more professional, then a line needs to be drawn. If you want to take rest, you have to have demotion in your contract. Then you can rest because you don’t want to play, but how can someone say that I don’t want to play for the Indian team? That’s why I don’t agree with the concept.”