BCCI to create database of top 50 Indian players to manage their workload

Starting with the upcoming Indian Premier League, the BCCI is all set to keep a close eye on the workload of the top 50 Indian players. Their aim is to create a database which will keep track of the players’ workload and injury management. This is a step taken in view to keep key players fit and fresh ahead of challenging overseas tours. 

According to TOI, it is learnt that the 50 players will include top international stars, fringe players who’ve been around the Indian team and top domestic performers. These players will be monitored under a robust performance and fitness monitoring system in the years to come. A senior BCCI official revealed that the 27 players who are under the central contract will be the primary ones in focus. But there will be an additional 23 players who will be added to the list. 

“Yes, the plan is there on the anvil. We want to create a database of 50 players. In those 50 players, 27 are our centrally contracted players (with Mohammed Shami re-inducted) and there will be another 23 players, who will be added to the list. These 23 players will be short-listed during the Indian Premier League,” a senior BCCI office-bearer was quoted saying by TOI. 

After the conclusion of the IPL, India have a couple of tough overseas assignments where they first travel to England to play 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 5 Tests in addition to the 2 T20Is they play against Ireland. Following that, India have the Asia Cup and a Windies home series to deal with before they travel to Australia in December. Hence, managing fitness and workload of players is key.

“Starting from India's tour of UK (which includes a short tour of Ireland), the national team is going to have enormous amount of workload till 2019 World Cup in England. Those who are performing, will have their workload monitored as well as the various parameters of their fitness levels checked. If they don't attain required levels, they are not likely to be considered for India or India ‘A’ teams. Physio Patrick Farhart will monitor them at the National Cricket Academy (NCA),” the official said.

The National selection committee which is led by MSK Prasad is preparing the blueprint and it is the selectors who will have a big role in selecting the additional 23 players. The BCCI earlier had suggested that it will monitor and curtail the workload of contracted bowlers.