Virat Kohli | Team India |
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It seems like Virat Kohli’s idea of resting the fast bowlers isn’t going to happen in the upcoming IPL 2019 edition. The franchises are unlikely to support the Team India skipper, as few franchises may lose their team balance because of the decision to rest fast bowlers. Especially, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.

Sunrisers Hyderabad has got Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been pretty consistent for them. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has been the wrecker-in-chief for Mumbai Indians over the seasons.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Sunrisers Hyderabad
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Credits: BCCI)

No Chance to rest Pacers  – Source

A source in an interview with PTI quoted there would be no chance to rest the fast bowlers for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. However, he added that there is an option of cutting down the workload on them.

“The IPL is starting on March 29 and will finish on May 19. In any case, there will be a 15-day gap before India play their first World Cup game against South Africa on June 5. So there is no chance that pacers can be rested for the entire duration of the IPL,” a senior official, who was present in the meeting, told PTI on Thursday.

 BCCI, IPL 2019, Virat Kohli
BCCI (Credits – AFP)

“It has been a convention for the past few years that IPL trainers and physios work with the Indian team’s support staff on workload management. That will be followed next year as well and in any case, fast bowlers don’t play all the games” the official said.

The concern is about Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah –

Meanwhile, yet another source quoted Virat Kohli’s main concern would be on the lethal duo of Bumrah-Bhuvneshwar. He added the remaining fast bowlers will not make it into the playing XI on a regular basis.

“The question is more about Bhuvi and Bumrah as Shami, Umesh and Khaleel are not automatic choices for their franchises and may not play all IPL games (minimum 14).  Virat wants his two premier fast bowlers to be rested for the IPL but it could well be counter-productive as they will be out of match practice for two months before the World Cup,” source quoted.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah-Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Credits – AFP)

“If our franchise happens to pick Khaleel (if he is back in auction pool), we would like to avail his optimum services as a current India player. The workload can always be monitored,” he explained.

All in all, Virat Kohli’s idea is receiving thumbs down from the IPL franchises as well. Though the skipper concern is understandable, the IPL rules and agreements aren’t allowing a life to his thoughts.

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