Former India captain Kapil Dev has said that regulars players in the Indian team can give the Indian Premier League (IPL) a miss if they think that the international calendar is too compact. India captain Virat Kohli had earlier mentioned that they are getting closer to landing at the stadium and playing straight from there while talking about their busy schedule.

“If you think there is burnout then don’t play IPL,” Kapil Dev told reporters. “There you are not representing your country. So if you think you are burnt out, you can always take a break during the IPL. When you are representing your country, the feeling should be different.”

Kapil Dev also said that when playing for the country, players need to give their best and this should not be compromised because of franchise cricket. However, he didn’t comment on India’s current series.

Read here: Kartik Aryan Responds on the Dancing Video of Jemimah Rodrigues

“I don’t know. It’s very difficult and unfair for me to see TV and make a statement,” he said.

Kapil Dev, who had played 131 Tests and 225 ODIs in his 16 years international career, said that he himself had felt the burnout when he used to play. He further said that it’s like a mental and emotional state as it is physical.

“So many times, yes,” said the former all-rounder when he was asked if he felt burned out during his 16 years international career.

“When you come into a series and you keep on playing, you burn out when you are not getting runs or wickets. But when you do, you never burn out. You take seven wickets and bowl 20-30 overs a day, you don’t feel tired. You bowl 10 overs and give away 80 runs and don’t pick a wicket you feel more tired,” he again said. “It’s a very emotional thing. Your mind, your brain works like that. Performances make you very light and happy.”