'If You Feel Burnt Out, Then Don¡¯t Play IPL', Kapil Dev To Indian Cricketers

It is safe to say that team India's meek surrender in the first Test against New Zealand hasn't gone down well with former World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev.

After questioning India's team's selection few days ago, Kapil Dev has now given his take on Virat Kohli's claim that his team has been playing too much cricket and that sometimes reflects in their performance when things don't go right.

PTI

While Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the biggest launchpad for the Indian youngsters and domestic cricketers, acting as the fastest route to the National team. But for the last few years, it has come under scanner for acting as an extra burden on cricketers who regularly represent India at the international level.

Now, Kapil Dev has again brought the matter to light.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Kapil Dev said if players are facing burnout then they should skip IPL instead of thinking of resting from international fixtures.

¡°If you think there is burnout then don¡¯t play IPL. I mean that¡¯s not representing your country. If you think you are burned out then you can obviously take a break during the IPL,¡± Kapil told reporters at the HCL Grant¡¯s felicitation ceremony.

IPL

Kapil also highlighted the difference between playing for a franchise and for the country. ¡°IPL gives you exposure. And I don¡¯t want to see anybody¡¯s pocket (suffer), what they are making and all. I think when you represent your country, it should be a different feeling. It can¡¯t be that you have more feeling for club cricket and not for the country,¡± Kapil added.

The former India all-rounder went on to reveal that he also faced burnout many a times during his playing days. ¡°Yes, I felt so many times. When you bowl series after series without much success. You feel burnt out when you¡¯re not getting runs and wickets,¡± Kapil said.

AP

While it is realistically impossible to see Indian players being rested for the IPL, the onus is on them to produce good performances for their country. There is a need to manage workload given the amount of cricket team India plays.