IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma will be India’s captain in the home T20I series against New Zealand.© AFP
T20 India captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday said his players are “not machines” and need rest, ahead of their impending encounter with New Zealand at home just days after the World Cup. . New Zealand’s tour kicks off with the first of Twenty20’s three internationals on Wednesday, just three days after Kiwi lost in the final of the tournament in Dubai. The matches are spread across three Indian cities and wrap up just four days before the Tests in Kanpur (November 25-29) and Mumbai (December 3-7).
“Workload management is very important to us. The players are not machines. Taking time off is necessary,” Sharma said in a virtual press conference, with the new coach of the team. India Rahul Dravid at the side.
“Some players who have been playing for a long time need to rest to keep fit. We want all of our boys to be in good spirits for the challenges ahead,” he added.
India Test Captain Virat Kohli has opted out of the T20 series and will also miss the First Test.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is also absent for the short format matches but will return for the encounter against Kanpur.
Former batting hero Dravid says cricketers need to follow the example of footballers when it comes to managing their workload.
“Even in football, the big players don’t play all the games. The mental and physical condition of a player (is) very important,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Kiwi speedster Tim Southee admitted the team’s tight schedule and long hours in the Covid bubble were weighing heavily on his side.
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“Obviously it’s been quite a busy schedule… even before the T20 World Cup, we had a series of games in Bangladesh and Pakistan,” said Southee, who will lead his team in Williamson’s absence. , said.
He added that Kiwi “didn’t really get a chance to stop and think” since Sunday’s final loss in Dubai.
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