Published: Feb 14, 2025, 11:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 14, 2025, 11:33 PM (IST)
India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev on Friday expressed concern over the rising number of injuries among Indian cricketers, attributing it to the demanding schedule that keeps players in action for almost 10 months each year.
The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru has turned into a rehabilitation hub, with players spending more time recovering than training.
The latest casualty being India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah who was forced to sit out of the second innings of the final Test in Sydney due to a back injury. Initially named in the Champions Trophy squad, Bumrah has now been ruled out.
“The only thing that worries me is that they play for 10 months a year — injuries will be much more common,” Kapil said at the Tata Steel Golf prize distribution ceremony.
“Why talk about someone who is not in the team? It’s a team game, and the team has to win, not individuals. This is not badminton, tennis, or golf; we are playing a team sport in the Champions Trophy. If we play as a team, we will definitely win,” Kapil added.
“You never want your main players to get injured, but if it happens, you can’t do anything about it. Good luck to my Indian team — go and play well,” Kapil further said.
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. Kapil stated that he is excited to see so much rising talents in the Indian cricket team these days.
“When you see the youngsters, their confidence is unbelievable. We didn’t have this much confidence when we were young. Good luck to them,” Kapil said.
