‘Quite a few who are permanent residents of NCA’- Former coach Ravi Shastri calls out Indian pacers for fitness concerns
Former Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his disappointment over the frequent injuries to Indian pacers. He criticized the fast bowlers for getting injured too often and pointed out that it is frustrating for both the Indian Cricket Board and the franchises.
Shastri, who is currently a commentator for ESPNcricinfo, was speaking ahead of the Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match in IPL 2023. He was discussing the injury of CSK pacer Deepak Chahar when he made the remarks. Shastri noted that many Indian pacers have become “permanent residents” of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) due to their recurring injuries. He questioned why they are getting injured so frequently despite not playing that much cricket.
“In last three-four years, there are quite a few who are permanent residents of the NCA. Soon they will get a resident permit there too. It’s not a good thing at all. It’s unreal. You are not playing that much cricket to be injured again and again. You can’t play 4 matches on the trot. What are you going to the NCA for?” said Shastri on ESPNCricinfo ahead of the CSK vs RR game in IPL 2023. He was discussing the injury of CSK pacer Deepak Chchar.
He emphasized the need for pacers to recover properly before making a comeback, saying, “If you are going to come back and in three matches you are back there. Make sure you get fit and come once and for all, because it’s damn frustrating not just for the team, the players, the Indian Cricket Board, the captains of the various franchises.”
A long list of injured Indian pacers
Shastri’s criticism comes at a time when several Indian pacers are struggling with injuries. Star pacers like Deepak Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah have been dealing with injury issues, while Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have also faced fitness concerns in recent times.
Injuries to Indian pacers have not only impacted the senior men’s national team but also the Indian Premier League. Franchises have been forced to make changes to their playing XI due to the absence of key pacers. This has often resulted in teams struggling to find the right balance and perform consistently.
Ravi Shastri’s comments reflect the frustration of many stakeholders who want Indian pacers to stay fit and play consistently. While injuries are a part of any sport, frequent injuries can be detrimental to a player’s career and the team’s performance. It is essential for pacers to manage their workload and recover properly to avoid further injuries.
The Indian Cricket Board has been taking steps to manage the workload of Indian players, but it is also up to the players to take responsibility for their fitness and recovery. Shastri’s criticism is a wake-up call for Indian pacers to prioritize their fitness and avoid frequent injuries.
