MSK Prasad feels it would be harsh to ask the Indian players to take part in the knockout phase of the Ranji Trophy

Chairman of Selectors MSK Prasad suggested that a few regular members of the Indian team might be rested for the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy which begins from December 23. Despite their stupendous form in the longest format of the game off late India have had many injury concerns over the past few months. In the ongoing Test series against England, as many as 7 players have suffered injuries during different stages of the series. The players in the list are Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Wriddhiman Saha, Ajinkya Rahane and Jayant Yadav.

England will head back home for 25 days after the Chennai Test ends on Tuesday to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones. They will return for the ODI series scheduled to commence from 15th January.  The tour will finally conclude in February. Although Prasad is not concerned with the injuries but he felt it would be unfair on the part of the selectors to ask them take part in the knockout phase of the Ranji Trophy after a long and gruelling 5 match Test series against England.

“They have been playing for quite some time. It’s part of the game. There is nothing much to worry about it,” Prasad was quoted by the Times of India. “I’m not sure, we haven’t still decided about it. The players have been playing for quite some time now. So I think it will be unfair on our part to expect them to play in the quarter-finals. But we will think about it,” he added.

Former national team trainer Ramji Srinivasan gave a little insight on why these injuries are occurring. “It could well be due to too much of cricket. Another thing is when mind and body sync well, a lot of things are taken care of. Some more recovery protocols may be added. Nutrition and different weather conditions too can cause injuries. The people in the Indian team are professionals and they know what they are doing.”

India came into the final Test in Chennai with an unassailable 3-0 lead after winning three consecutive Tests in Vizag, Mohali and Mumbai.