Unlike Bumrah, We Don’t Get Breaks: Thakur Exposes Workload Gap in Team India

• Shardul Thakur slams lack of attention to player workload management.
• Reveals he relies on physios and SNCs to manage his body.
• Says timely breaks are crucial for modern-day cricketers.
• Insists players must give full effort once on the field.

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has spoken out on the increasingly debated issue of workload management, stressing that not all players receive the same level of care and attention from team management. Thakur’s comments come amid India’s packed cricket calendar, where the demands on multi-format players are at an all-time high.

While the likes of Jasprit Bumrah are carefully monitored — with the fast-bowling spearhead featuring only sparingly in bilateral series and Tests — Thakur claimed that not every player is afforded similar consideration. Instead, he often has to manage his body independently, with the help of physios and strength & conditioning coaches.

“I appreciate these questions. No one actually comes and asks us how our body feels after playing for so many months. A lot of times we are taken for granted and the management is not to the highest level,” Thakur said after leading West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal.

Thakur has been on the road almost continuously since October 2024. His schedule has included the Irani Trophy, a grueling domestic stretch across the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as well as a late call-up to the IPL 2025, where he joined the Lucknow Super Giants as an injury replacement. Soon after, he was back in national colors, representing India A in England and playing two Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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The 32-year-old admitted that such a demanding schedule takes a toll, and that timely breaks are crucial.

“I have been managing my body with physios, with SNCs, doing constant work as it’s about playing cricket. I’m not saying that you keep pulling yourself out from playing the games. But frequent breaks here and there are good for the body.”

At the same time, Thakur clarified that workload discussions must stay outside match scenarios.

“Once you enter the game, you can’t be talking about workload management because then the game situation takes over. When you go into the game, you’re expected to give your best. Whatever you have in your tank, you have to give it all.”

Highlighting the role of bowlers in particular, Thakur urged that the intensity during games must never drop.

“You shouldn’t shy away from coming in and hitting the deck hard in the game. Yes, when you go out of the ground and when you’re resting back home or have breaks in between, that’s where you manage your bodies and try to manage your load.”

As India prepares for another busy international season, Thakur’s candid remarks reignite the debate around whether the BCCI and team management need to implement more consistent workload policies across the squad, not just for its biggest stars.