Will IPL help Indian players prepare for World Cup?
What's the story
While the IPL begins in less than 10 days, the 2019 World Cup is also a couple of months away.
Least to say, the World Cup is a much bigger tournament than the league, and many believe playing IPL before the World Cup is a bad idea as players would not get enough rest.
However, the idea has also received some backing. We analyze.
The drama
The IPL-World Cup drama
As per the recommendations of Lodha Committee, there should be a minimum of a 15-day gap between the IPL final and an international fixture.
However, with the IPL stretching over 50 days, it has always been criticized for its rigorous schedule.
Several cricket analysts have also called for the World Cup players to not play the IPL entirely, this term.
Opinion
Ashish Nehra feels IPL is just like an international tournament
Interestingly, former Indian pacer and current Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowling coach Ashish Nehra has different opinion.
He feels that the pressure of IPL is just like international cricket.
He thinks that playing the IPL will keep the players in the groove and also boost their confidence, while too much break before the World Cup could hurt a cricketer's consistency.
Three-week rest
Three-week rest before first World Cup game is enough
Nehra also pointed out the fact that the three-week rest period before the first game of the World Cup is enough to be fit for the tournament.
While the IPL final is scheduled to take place in mid-May, India's first World Cup game is on June 5 against South Africa in Southampton.
Nehra said he would not mind playing the IPL before the tournament.
Quote
Tournament like IPL keeps one get going
Speaking more on the topic, Nehra added by saying, "Active rest is very important. If I'm a bowler, I keep bowling yorkers or good length balls in the IPL, I do the same thing in the World Cup."
Kirsten's take
The more, the better
World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten too backed the idea to play the IPL before the World Cup and said that in doing so, it would be Indian players who would be at advantage.
He also believes that the players should focus on IPL and not think about the World Cup.
If they can handle the IPL pressure, so can they at the World Cup.
Author's take
IPL participation is okay, as long as one's not injured
Although the experts had their say, the author still remains somewhat optimistic about playing IPL before the World Cup.
The pundits are right at pointing that the IPL is an overdose of cricket, especially before the World Cup.
Nonetheless, it is also a good platform to help prepare for World Cup, as long as a player does not get injured.