NEW DELHI: World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev on Friday voiced concern over the growing number of injuries among Indian cricketers, blaming the demanding schedule that keeps players on the field for nearly 10 months a year. He pointed out that the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru has become more of a rehabilitation center, with players spending more time recovering than training.
The latest setback is India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the second innings of the final Test in Sydney due to a back injury. Initially named in India’s Champions Trophy squad, Bumrah has now been ruled out of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps, suffered a leg injury after the final and underwent surgery. His 14-month recovery sidelined him from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India lost for the first time in a decade, leaving Bumrah without a dependable bowling partner.
“The only thing that worries me is that they play for 10 months a year — injuries will be much more common,” the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper said.
Asked whether Bumrah would be missed in Champions Trophy, Kapil said: “Why talk about someone who is not in the team? It’s a team game, and the team has to win, not individuals. This is not badminton, tennis, or golf; we are playing a team sport in the Champions Trophy. If we play as a team, we will definitely win,” said the 66-year-old.”
“You never want your main players to get injured, but if it happens, you can’t do anything about it. Good luck to my Indian team — go and play well,” he added.
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.
Kapil said he’s excited to see so much rising talents in the Indian cricket team these days.
“When you see the youngsters, their confidence is unbelievable. We didn’t have this much confidence when we were young. Good luck to them.”