New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on Wednesday while sharing his views on the BCCI decision of asking players to play domestic cricket league supports the idea but also stressed the need for managing player workload effectively.
He agreed that domestic cricket plays a crucial role in helping players find form, particularly after an injury or poor performances.
Dhawan told reporters, “If someone is coming back from an injury, they must prove their match fitness in domestic cricket. Take Shami [Mohammed], for example. He played a full domestic season to prove his fitness before returning to international cricket. That match sharpness is crucial,” he added.
However, he also pointed out the need to balance game time with adequate rest.
“If a player is out of form, then yes, domestic cricket is the best way to regain rhythm but if someone has just finished an intense international tour and only has a five-day gap before the next one, playing in that short break could affect his freshness. It’s important to manage that carefully,” he said.
The introduction of these new rules has also led to speculation about potential internal conflicts within the team, especially with Gautam Gambhir taking over as head coach. One of the guidelines emphasised better teamwork, fewer support staff, and restrictions on families travelling with the squad.
“This has happened before,” Dhawan remarked.
“These rules have existed in the past as well. There have always been restrictions on how long family members can stay. After a certain period, they leave, and players focus solely on cricket,” he added.
One of the most debated points in the new guidelines is the restriction on players’ wives accompanying them during tours. While Dhawan acknowledged the importance of discipline, he also stressed the need for emotional balance.
“Cricketers live a very disciplined life. Having a companion is important because it helps a player relax in a comfort zone. If you’re constantly in an intense mindset, you will burn out faster. Switching off is as important as switching on,” Dhawan emphasized.