IPL 2019 | IPL is capitalism at its best, says Sanjay Manjrekar

The weeks building up to the IPL has seen news mostly dominated by Virat Kohli’s comments on workload management, which has really worried one and all if that would affect the quality of the tournament with the World Cup probables pulling their shots to keep themselves fit for the biggest tournament.

However, former Test batsman turned TV commentator Sanjay Manjrekar blatantly denied that should be the case stating that BCCI wouldn’t want to interfere with their players during the cash-rich tournament. 

“My views won't be appreciated. This is free enterprise. IPL is capitalism at its best. I don’t think there should be any outside interference. It should be up to the franchises. Don’t think there should be pressure (on IPL franchises) from the Cricket Board (BCCI) (to rest some players),” Manjrekar said, during an event organised by ESPNCricinfo, reported Scroll.

Along with Manjrekar was Rahul Dravid, who also spoke on the workload management stating that most of the players would know how much to push if they were in a position to endanger themselves. 

“Most players are smart about these things. They know how to handle their body. I don’t think the players would put their body on the line. I was reading Patrick Cummins (Australia pacer) saying that he feels better bowling when he is constantly playing rather than having rested and coming back. So to each player, it’s different. There cannot be a blanket case that all should be rested. We have to just trust the players. They know what needs to be done,” Dravid said.

IPL was preceded by a shock ODI series loss for Indian in their backyard against Australia after Virat Kohli and Co. were leading 2-0 after the first two games. However, with the management deciding to rest some key players and experiment with World Cup probables saw the team eventually losing it 2-3.

While it didn’t get to the nerves of the fans or the team, Dravid pointed out that it would actually have served as a warning for the team, who won’t play any more ODI matches before the World Cup starting on May 30 in England.

“I think there was a bit of notion that we are going walk there and win the World Cup easily. So its a good thing that has happened. What it has (the outcome against Australia) reminded us is that we have to play the World Cup very, very well,” said Dravid.

“In a way I think its a good balancing factor. India has performed well in the last couple of years. There was a little bit of talk that we are almost going to walk in there and win the World Cup very easily because we are the No. 1 team and we have been dominating one-day cricket for the last couple of years. 

“But I don’t find anything strange from my perspective watching the series. I still feel that we are going to be one of the favourites. But its going to be tough. Its going to be competitive,” Dravid added.