Indian cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged the challenges the team faces with limited opportunities for players to play together as a group ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for June. Dravid highlighted the need for mental flexibility and adaptation, considering the constraints in the team’s schedule.
The upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting in Mohali on Thursday, represents India’s final T20I assignment before the marquee T20 World Cup. In his pre-match conference, Dravid shared insights into the team’s preparation and the unique circumstances leading up to the global tournament.
“After the last T20I World Cup (2022), we prioritized the ODI World Cup. But we don’t have that many T20I games after that (ODI WC),” Dravid stated. “So, this T20I World Cup is slightly different in the sense that (there’s) not a lot of time to prepare for that. We have to rely on the cricket that we have and also a little bit on the IPL.”
Dravid acknowledged the tight schedule and the need for adaptability, particularly in situations where the team might not get many opportunities to play together before the T20 World Cup. The head coach emphasized the importance of being flexible and adapting to the circumstances.
“We might not get too many chances to play together, so we will have to work around that. You just need to adapt and be flexible. We had a good preparation leading into the one-day WC. Even in the last T20I World Cup, we had a lot of games together as a group. This time we won’t have that (many matches) probably, but it is all about adapting while going ahead,” he added.
Given the limited game time, Dravid acknowledged the significance of the upcoming IPL 2024 in shaping the team selection for the T20 World Cup. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has often served as a platform for players to showcase their form and fitness, and the management will likely consider performances in the IPL for the final squad selection.
Some premier players, including pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, will not be participating in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Dravid addressed concerns about their absence and pointed out the necessity of managing player workloads, especially considering the extensive cricket being played.
“It is impossible for all the players to play all the time, especially for the players who are playing all three formats. We had to prioritize what is important,” Dravid explained. “Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja have missed out from this series because keeping in mind the five-Test home series against England. So, we are always playing that juggling act a little bit over the last two years.”
Dravid’s remarks shed light on the delicate balance between giving players adequate rest and ensuring collective game time for team preparation. With a focus on managing the workload effectively, the coaching staff aims to optimize player availability for key series, including the upcoming home Test series against England.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Dravid and the coaching staff will navigate the evolving schedule and challenges posed by the cricket calendar. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under these circumstances will be crucial in their quest for success in the upcoming global T20 event. The T20I series against Afghanistan serves as a vital platform for assessing player form and readiness, setting the stage for the final preparations leading to the T20 World Cup in June.
