Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector Sandeep Patil has strongly criticised the growing trend of workload management, calling it “nonsense” and insisting that a player should always be available whenever the team needs them. Patil argued that the role of a physio should never overshadow the authority of the captain, coach, or selectors.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Sandeep Patil questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for entertaining such practices. “Is the physio more important than the captain, the head coach, or the selectors? Are we to expect the physio in selection committee meetings now?” he asked. “In our time, you were either fit or unfit — there was no in-between. We did not entertain this workload business.”

Sandeep Patil, who served as India’s chief selector from 2012 to 2016, acknowledged that cricket has evolved, particularly in batting innovation.

ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Likely To Leave CSK Ahead Of IPL 2025 Mini Auction?

“I marvel at the strokes batters play now. In our era, Sunil Gavaskar would scold us for trying fancy shots, but we adapted with time. What I can’t accept is players missing games without valid injury concerns.”

Reports indicate that the current selection committee, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI officials are aligned in curbing instances of players skipping matches under the guise of workload management. While the practice won’t be abolished entirely, a more objective approach — especially for managing fast bowlers — is expected.

A senior BCCI official told PTI, “Pacers’ workload needs careful handling, but missing crucial matches in its name is unacceptable.”

WATCH – Suryakumar Yadav Shares Fitness Update Ahead Of Asia Cup 2025 Return

The debate isn’t limited to India. England captain Ben Stokes, despite ongoing fitness issues, bowled extended spells during the fourth Ashes Test, reigniting the discussion over whether workload management has become an “overrated concept” used for convenience rather than necessity.