India’s cricket board (BCCI) has unveiled its workload management plan for the upcoming season, keeping the focus on long-format matches. With a packed Test schedule and important tournaments ahead, some of India’s most crucial players, including vice-captain Shubman Gill, will be given rest during the T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh starting from October 7. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring the team’s top performers remain fresh for crucial Test matches and the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Shubman Gill and Other Stars Rested for T20Is
Shubman Gill, one of India’s most promising batsmen, is expected to sit out the Bangladesh T20I series as part of this workload plan. The three-match series will take place on October 7, 10, and 13, just before the critical Test series against New Zealand begins on October 16. Gill has become an essential part of India’s top order in Test matches, along with veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Given the importance of the upcoming 10 Tests this season, Gill will focus on performing in the longest format rather than playing the relatively less crucial T20Is.
A BCCI insider confirmed, “Yes, Shubman will be rested for the T20 series against Bangladesh. The first Test against New Zealand is on October 16, and we need him fresh for that challenge.”
T20 Format Takes Backseat for India This Season
In the current cricket calendar, T20 Internationals seem to be lower in priority for India, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) points and the upcoming ODI Champions Trophy on the horizon. While India still values the shortest format, it is clear that Tests and ODIs are at the top of the agenda this season.
Shubman Gill, who has featured in 21 T20 Internationals, is known for his impressive strike rate of 140 and has a century and three half-centuries to his name. He also recently led India to a 4-1 victory in a T20I series against Zimbabwe. However, with the focus shifting to the five-match Test series against Australia and the Champions Trophy, resting him for the Bangladesh T20s seems a strategic move.
Rest Plan Extends to Other Key Players
Along with Shubman Gill, several senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, who have already retired from T20Is, will not feature in the upcoming series. Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are also expected to take a break to manage their workload.
Watch Out for Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan
One of the key talking points remains whether wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will participate in the Bangladesh T20I series. With his importance in the longer formats, the selectors are likely to give him some rest as well. If Pant is rested, it could open the door for Ishan Kishan to make a comeback, especially after being out of international cricket for nearly nine months this year.
The BCCI’s focus on resting its key players during the T20 series demonstrates a clear emphasis on preserving their energy for more significant Test and ODI fixtures in the season ahead. This strategy aims to maintain top performance levels across the formats while ensuring the players’ well-being.
