Team India’s former head coach, who now works as a cricket expert and commentator, Ravi Shastri has expressed his concern over the workload management of the country’s frontline pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Shastri expressed his concerns while commentating during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings match on the evening of May 6.
In the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season, star Indian bowlers like Arshdeep and Jasprit Bumrah are going through very difficult times for their respective teams. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep, who have made a name for themselves as prolific wicket-takers in the format, looked poor for most of the IPL 2026 season.
BCCI’s workload management program is under question
Due to the busy schedule throughout the calendar year, frontline cricketers often get little time to refresh their mind and body. There has been a lot of discussion over the last few months on the issue of workload management of players.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also come up with its own workload management program to protect its best talents. Nevertheless, despite all the efforts made by the board, there may be some lapses due to which world-class players are seen making mistakes on the field.
During Mumbai Indians’ last match, which was against Lucknow Super Giants, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 8 no-balls, which was somewhat unexpected from a bowler like him. Like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh has also been struggling to take wickets and perform as per his position.
Star players like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are completely out of form.
According to Ravi Shastri, these are symptoms of mental fatigue. He emphasized that cricketers are humans, not machines. Like every other human being, cricketers also need proper rest to refresh themselves mentally and physically.
India’s star cricketers playing in the 2026 T20 World Cup had to join their respective franchises for the IPL 2026 season immediately after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. Before major ICC tournaments, there were other international series. Therefore, there was little space for cricketers to spend significant periods of rest off the field.
Ravi Shastri expressed concern over workload management of players
“Looking at the way the season has ended and seeing some of the established bowlers who have played a lot of cricket throughout the season, played for India, played World Cups, all these things… are showing signs of mental fatigue,” Shastri said during commentary.
“Now, you’ve got to remember these people are human beings. And it has an impact. It’s not like they can take a day off, go to a gas station, get some gas, and be back at work the next day. That doesn’t happen,” he said. “One needs time to recover. But it is hard work. Then again, this is professional sport,” Shastri said.
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