Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was called by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prioritize player welfare and ensure that centrally contracted cricketers get at least one month of uninterrupted rest every year.His comments come after India completed the ODI series 3-0 over Afghanistan, shortly after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 2026.Gavaskar acknowledged the role BCCI has played in supporting developing cricketing nations like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka through bilateral series. However, he said the health and fitness of the Indian players should remain a priority despite the busy cricket calendar.Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar said, “Yes, BCCI is like an elder brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and has always tried to help them grow on the field and improve their finances by touring those countries. The health and fitness of our cricketers is also crucial and there should be a clear month of rest for our players during the year. However, India is blessed with talent and so you can rotate players, but it cheapens the cap for India because the player replaces the player who cannot be dropped and must be earned.”The former opener also questioned the growing practice of resting senior players for workload management. According to Gavaskar, India should field their strongest available side whenever possible.He pointed to India’s recent Test against Afghanistan, where Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries.“In the Test against Afghanistan which were genuine efforts but nothing more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah he was rested, but wouldn’t he like to add a fifer or ten to his career record against this team. When India plays, then the best team must play, unless of course there are no injuries. But this idleness due to load should be avoided as much as possible. Look at the calendar and you’ll see India playing here or there every month.”Gavaskar clarified that he supports more opportunities for younger players through India A and U-19 cricket, but believes that senior players should get a proper break from the game.“Yes, by all means organize ‘A’ team and U-19 matches to give young players a chance and experience, but please spare our elite players and ensure they get at least a month’s break a year as a team, not just as individuals.”He added that the current schedule cannot be changed, but suggested that future planning should include a mandatory break for players and even fans.“This year’s schedule is already done and nothing can be changed, but since the IPL is scheduled to start and end early next year, please add a month’s rest not only to the players, but also to the fans of Indian cricket.”India’s next assignment is a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast before the team travels to England for five T20Is and three ODIs starting July 1.
