India tour of Ireland. Check latest news on IND vs IRE

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering providing much-needed rest to some of India’s star players during the upcoming India tour of Ireland in 2023. Reports suggest that T20I skipper Hardik Pandya, along with other players, could be given a breather in light of the packed cricketing calendar ahead.

India tour of Ireland

The India tour of Ireland 2023 includes a three-game T20I series between India and Ireland, to be held at the prestigious Malahide Cricket Club Ground, starting on August 18. The second match of the series is scheduled for August 20, with the final game set to be played on August 23.

With several marquee events lined up in the future, the BCCI is considering resting some Indian players from the IND vs IRE series to manage their workload effectively. One player whose workload is of particular concern is T20I skipper Hardik Pandya, who plays an integral role in India’s white-ball squad.

In addition to Hardik Pandya, the Indian cricket board is also contemplating resting opener Shubman Gill, who has recently become a prominent player across all three formats for India. Sources close to the BCCI have indicated that a decision regarding Hardik Pandya’s participation in the IND vs IRE T20I series will be made after consulting him following the India vs West Indies white-ball series.

The source stated, “Nothing is finalised yet, and it will also depend on how Hardik is feeling after the one-dayers and T20s in the West Indies. There is travelling involved, and players will have only a short turnaround of three days before flying from Florida to Dublin.”

Indeed, the schedule leaves the Indian players with just three days to reach Dublin after the completion of the India tour of West Indies 2023. The team’s last tour game in the West Indies is on August 13, and the opening game of the Ireland tour is scheduled for August 18.

Managing the players’ workload has become a significant concern in modern cricket, given the demanding international schedule and the increasing frequency of high-profile tournaments. With the emergence of T20 leagues around the world, players are engaged in non-stop cricket throughout the year, leaving them with little time for recovery.

For India, Hardik Pandya’s role is of utmost importance in both batting and bowling departments, making his fitness and well-being a priority for the team management and the BCCI. The explosive all-rounder’s abilities have made him indispensable in India’s limited-overs setup, and the board is keen on ensuring his availability for crucial tournaments ahead.

Similarly, Shubman Gill’s rapid rise in international cricket has made him a vital asset in all three formats. However, constant cricket can take a toll on a player’s body, leading to fatigue and injury concerns. The BCCI’s cautious approach towards managing players’ workload aims to protect the long-term fitness and performance of these young talents.

As the players engage in back-to-back tours, travelling long distances within short periods can be taxing, affecting their physical and mental well-being. The BCCI’s decision to assess the players’ fitness after the West Indies tour shows their commitment to making informed choices that prioritize the players’ health.

While the BCCI aims to rest some key players for the Ireland T20I series, the final decision will be taken in consultation with the players themselves. This approach highlights the board’s effort to involve the players in the decision-making process, ensuring their comfort and readiness for upcoming challenges.