Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has questioned Indian players’ injury woes amid the T20I series against Zimbabwe. Vihari said players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy played almost all matches in the IPL but even a niggle keeps them out of International cricket.
Pandya and Reddy are currently out with quadriceps injury whereas Bumrah was ruled out of the third ODI against England due to a knee injury. Harshit Rana made a comeback after missing the IPL on the UK tour but suffered a fresh injury. Varun Chakravarthy is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
“I think an important question is that Hardik, Bumrah, Nitish, Varun all played 14 matches in the IPL but when it comes to international cricket, even if there is a slight niggle they are out. Harshit did not play the IPL but made a comeback and got injured again. What is the problem? It’s not too much cricket when it comes to the international level. Why are they breaking down? If these players are unfit and we have to keep changing the combinations before the World Cup, it will become difficult. Are players motivated enough to play international cricket? Or want to play the IPL for money and fame and taking it lightly?” Hanuma Vihari questioned in a video on his YouTube channel.
Vihari gave some leeway to Jasprit Bumrah as he was coming back after recovering from a back injury.
“Bumrah is an exception because he is coming back from injury and has had workload management, and is playing all three formats. But what about those who are playing only white-ball cricket? Why are they not fit? It is a disappointment, and it becomes difficult for the captain and coach to fit that combination,” he added.
The 32-year-old batter said the series against Zimbabwe will not be a cakewalk for Indian team.
“It will be an evenly contested series, India have a slight edge but it will not be a cakewalk for sure. I think it will be a hard-fought series. Will India beat Zimbabwe 3-0? We have to wait and watch.”
Zimbabwe are struggling at 72-5 after 14 overs in the first T20I.
