Will excess cricket during a pandemic prove detrimental to India's ICC WT2O chances?
In less than a month, the World Test Championship will be decided. Team India would have found a way of lifting the trophy or letting it slip through their fingers. Three months from now, they would have concluded their grueling five-match Test series against England.
The second phase of IPL 2021 may act as a tough preparatory test for the ICC WT20 challenge that's scheduled for the fall of 2021. On the other hand, the remaining 31 games over a short window could result in more meltdowns. Amidst all this, a key question remains unasked: is this just too much cricket?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has crammed its cricketing calendar to coincide with a raging coronavirus pandemic. More than just a logistical nightmare, it's a case of pushing an athlete to his breaking point and perhaps asking for more.
The rigors of the the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series were followed by the rubber against England that saw the teams play well into March. Less than a fortnight later, the IPL got going despite rising concerns over COVID-19.
The sudden pause in the tournament was perhaps a much-needed off-season break for the Indians.
Is India playing too much cricket?
The opinion may be be more divided than unanimous, but the general consensus is India are playing too much cricket. While the goal this year is the ICC WT20 title, preparations cannot be termed as anywhere near conducive.
The amount of cricket India have been playing might have been perfectly fine in normal times. But with the country gripped by a pandemic that refuses to relent, the stress is beyond physical.
Over the last year, the 'life in a bio-bubble' has been a constant topic of discussion. Players have had their fair share of bubble fatigue: England cricketer Liam Livingstone even left the Rajasthan Royals (RR) during IPL 2021 citing it. The hard and soft quarantines that come with 'bubble-life' can be mentally taxing, if prolonged.
Next are injuries. While India may have a rich and resourceful talent pool, injury management remains critical nevertheless.
With six Tests set to be played in the next couple of months, players who will potentially feature in the World Cup should be extra wary of injuries. This also applies to the contingent that's set to tour Sri Lanka for some limited-overs cricket.
Battling injuries is a task in itself. Rehabilitation during a pandemic can be even more exhausting. The current situation just makes it harder for the athlete to get back up and in the ring.
All said and done, the BCCI think-tank must have meticulously planned for the safety and welfare of the players. But the volume of cricket that's being played still raises questions. Will an arduous season stand the team in good stead for the shorter format? Only time will tell.