Shardul Thakur launches missile attack on Gautam Gambhir's Management; reveals all players frustrated

Team India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has made a bold statement on workload management in cricket, adding that it is crucial to handle the body’s demands. Thakur stated that players are often “taken for granted” despite months of continuous play, making proper management crucial to prevent injuries.

Workload management has gained attention in Indian cricket. Jasprit Bumrah’s recurring injuries have forced him to miss important tournaments and series. The selectors and team management are closely monitoring his workload. Bumrah was rested for two of the five Test matches during the recent England tour.

Shardul Thakur Has Been Involved in Continuous Cricket for the Past 11 Months

Shardul Thakur has been involved in continuous cricket over the past 11 months. He played the Irani Trophy in October 2024 and went on to feature in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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The right-arm pacer went unsold in the IPL auction but joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2025 as an injury replacement. Following the IPL, he played two India A tour games against England Lions and appeared in two Tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Thakur took two wickets and scored 46 runs across three innings in England. It is uncertain whether he will retain his spot in the Test squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies. The 33-year-old also captained West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final.

A Lot of Times We Are Taken for Granted - Shardul Thakur

On the final day of the Duleep Trophy semi-final, Shardul Thakur spoke about the challenges of managing workload. Thakur said that some players receive little attention regarding their fitness and revealed that he has to manage his body with the help of physios and Strength & Conditioning coaches.

"A lot of times we are taken for granted and the management is not to the highest level," Thakur said.

"No one actually comes and asks us how our body feels after playing for so many months. But yes, I have been managing my body with physios, S&Cs [Strength & Conditioning coach], doing constant work."

"And it's about playing cricket. I'm not saying that you keep pulling yourself out from playing the games. But frequent breaks here and there are good for the body," he added.

You Can’t Be Talking About Workload Management - Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur said that players should focus on giving their best during a match rather than worrying about workload management on the field. He stated that cricketers must give everything they have, and workload management should take place during breaks or rest periods.

"Once you enter the game, you can't be talking about workload management because then the game situation also takes over. When you go into the game, you're expected to give your best. Whatever you have in your tank, you have to give it all," Thakur said.

"And I believe you shouldn't be shying away from coming in and hitting the deck hard in the game, keep doing those efforts. Yes, when you go out of the ground and when you're resting back home or you have those breaks in between the game, that's where you try to manage your bodies and try to manage your load."

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