Concerned about injuries in IPL, says Ravi Shastri

The IPL will start from March 23 and will continue till the third week of May which is just before the World Cup. This will be the first time in the history of the IPL that the tournament will be played before a World Cup and there is a lot of discussion about the Indian players remaining fit for the global event starting from May 30. India head coach Ravi Shastri has not discarded the fact that the hectic tournament may take a toll on the players resulting in some injuries.

The Indian cricket team has played non-stop cricket last year and the players were given a break when required. The former India cricketer claimed that the management has zeroed down on the probables keeping in mind the possibilities of injury and fatigue. 

“That will always be a concern because the last thing you want is injury. The World Cup is immediately after the IPL and if someone gets injured, it will be a concern. I will be lying if I say I am not on the edge of my seat. I will be watching every game closely,” Shastri said in an interview to Times Now.

“More or less. The nucleus of the team is there. But you can never discount injuries at the last minute. You have only 15 allowed for the World Cup but you've got to have about 18-20 in the mix.” 

The Indian team started as clear favourites against Australia in the ODI series, especially after their clinical victories against the Kangaroos and the Kiwis in overseas conditions, but the Men in Blue were defeated by the Aussies in spite of taking a 2-0 early lead in the five-match series. The Indian fans would be delighted to know that Shastri is certain that the team is mentally prepared to go to the distance and to bring back the trophy home. 

“Well, I will be lying if we don't think we can go the distance,” he answered when asked about his team’s chances at the World Cup.