MSK Prasad dismisses the need to rest players during IPL
Indian cricket chief selector MSK Prasad has dismissed the need to rest players during the Indian Premier League. Prasad feels players who are set to represent India in the ICC World Cup 2019, will benefit from the IPL. As per him, the ability to react in pressure situations will aid these players. The World Cup is scheduled to start just days after the IPL.
What had Shastri and Prasad said earlier?
Earlier, Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri had claimed that the management was in touch with the BCCI in order to have a plan in place. This was in relation to keep the World Cup bound cricketers fresh for the coveted tournament. Even Prasad had said the players would be closely monitored. But now he has presented a different opinion altogether.
IPL offers so many complex pressure situations: MSK Prasad
"I have a different view on the IPL. IPL is an international tournament which offers so many complex pressure situations. Rather than just sitting and training you will have to go through so many pressure situations- be it bowling or batting or fielding," said Prasad.
Prasad gives examples to present his case
Prasad cited several examples when there have been tourneys after the IPL for India. "If you see the example of 2013 Champions Trophy or a 2017 Champions Trophy we did extremely well because prior to that we played IPL. So this IPL is only going to help the players by preparing them for these pressure situations which otherwise normal bilateral series will not offer."
IPL to help players keep right frame of mind
"What is more important is that other than those four overs how they keep themselves fit is very much important. But this IPL is only going to help the Indian players get in right frame of mind for the World Cup," Prasad added.
World Cup: India are one of the favorites
The Indian team is scheduled to leave for the World Cup, to be held in England and Wales immediately after the IPL. India head into the World Cup as one of the favorites. They have played some brilliant cricket in ODIs since the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Virat Kohli's side is currently involved in a five-match ODI series against Australia away home.
