Skipping Matches to Manage Workload is Not a Good Option - Zaheer Khan

Former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan reckons skipping matches to manage workloads of the fast bowlers is not the right solution.

Meanwhile, Zaheer admitted cricketers should skip practise sessions to manage the workload. These days all the team’s play cricket throughout the year which increases the chances of injuries.

However, recently, there have been many debates about rotating the players to keep them fresh.

However, Zaheer maintained a different stance and noted that missing matches is not the solution.

Missing matches is not the option

The former left-arm seamer noted that missing games is not at all a viable solution for the cricketers. Instead, he advised skipping practise sessions to manage the workload of the seamers.

He also cited proverbs like match practice is the best practice to justify his statements.

“Workload got to be managed is a fact, but you also need to be smart about it. I have always emphasised that match practise is the best practise. If you are in a good rhythm then that practise session is not going to help you in managing the workload. But lots of bowlers want to bowl before the match for psychological reasons,” Zaheer said.

“I never endorse staying away from matches just because work load is high. I managed my work load in the nets rather than by missing a match,” he added.

He also stressed on the use of knuckleballs in T20 crickets, as it gives batsman no clue. Moreover, Zaheer also used this as a variation in the latter part of his career.

Virat playing County is an individual call

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is likely to play County Cricket for Surrey to prepare for the England tour. India will play five-match Test matches in England following the T20I and ODI series.

As a result, Virat will miss the historic Test match against Afghanistan in Bengaluru.

However, Zaheer feels it is an individual call to adopt the same policy or not.

“It’s an individual’s call. Even Virat playing county cricket is an individual call and not a team call. The kind of squad we have, most of them have played in England and are aware of what kind of conditions will be on offer,” Zaheer concluded.

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