Indian captain Virat Kohli wants Indian cricket team’s World Cup fast bowlers to be rested from next year’s IPL. He suggested resting fast bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar from the entire IPL to keep them fresh for the World Cup during a recent meeting of the CoA in Hyderabad.
However, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) is unlikely to find favour with the franchises about the idea suggested at a meeting. Kohli didn’t find too many supporters for his proposal as Board officials said franchises are unlikely to agree.
A senior official, who was present in the meeting said “The IPL is starting on March 29 and will finish on May 19. In any case, there will be a 15-day gap before India play their first World Cup game against South Africa on June 5. So there is no chance that pacers can be rested for the entire duration of the IPL.”
Rohit Sharma, who was present in the meeting, also had a different stand, the official said “When Kohli suggested the idea, CoA chief Vinod Rai asked Rohit about his take. Rohit apparently said, ‘If Mumbai Indians reach Play Offs or finals and if Bumrah happens to be fit, then I cannot afford to rest him’.”
He further stated that “The question is more about Bhuvi and Bumrah as Shami, Umesh and Khaleel are not automatic choices for their franchises and may not play all IPL games (minimum 14).