In a major turn of events, Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer and now a commentator, has brought to light an intriguing dialogue he had with the head coach of Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, regarding the issue of the players’ workload management.
Not long ago, Indian skipper Shubman Gill was a victim of neck injury during the first Test match against South Africa, played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which has left his participation in the second Test match at Guwahati uncertain.
Gill, who has recently taken over as captain of both the Test and ODI teams, is being scrutinized as there are talks about the impact of his additional role on the general pressure of his workload. The second Test is scheduled to start tomorrow (November 22, 2025) and the supporters are concerned if the young captain would get well in time.
Gautam Gambhir suggested the players to forgo IPL if they were tired
Aakash Chopra disclosed that he had put a question to Gautam Gambhir regarding the workload issue before the Test match between India and West Indies earlier this year. Gambhir, in response, made a very bold and clear statement –
“I inquired this from Gautam before the West Indies Test. His argument was if you require workload management then do not partake in IPL. If you do not wish to lead because the pressure of leading the IPL team is too much, then do not lead. And while playing for India, if you are fit, you are not mentally fatigued,” PTI quoted.
He was in complete agreement with Gambhir when he said that the batters wanted to do everything possible to keep their good form since cricket is so unpredictable and the form of a player can change suddenly.
“And as a batter, I can also agree with the quote that ‘When you are in a good form, you want to get the most out of it.’ That is because one does not have any idea when he/she will be pushed to the corner of poor form and where the next green pasture is going to be. Hence, if there is no fitness issue per se and if there is no mental burnout concern that is very individual-specific, you stay with them and you play as much as you can, as often as you can,” he said.
Gill likely to miss the Guwahati Test; Pant to lead
With Shubman Gill almost certainly ruling out the Guwahati Test because of his neck injury, Rishabh Pant is likely to take over as India’s captain. The team management is also closely monitoring Gill’s recovery to determine if he will be able to participate in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.
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