The cricketing world today is a relentless machine, demanding peak performance year after year, incessantly across formats. The calendar is as busy as ever, with one major league after another in quick succession, leaving little to no time for rest and recuperation. In times like these, the pressure to give one’s absolute best falls on the players, sometimes at the cost of their own physical well-being. Success is no longer defined solely by skill or hard training. Rather, with each passing day, the game demands longevity and consistency at the highest level. This is something that can be achieved through proper workload management. But what exactly does the term mean?
Workload management simply refers to regulating the physical and mental demands placed on athletes to prevent burnout, exhaustion, fatigue, overuse injuries, and long-term health issues. This can be achieved by providing proper breaks when required, especially ahead of major tournaments or leagues, and giving the body sufficient time to heal and bounce back. This ensures that players are able to put their best foot forward without putting their bodies at risk in the process.
However, the issue of workload management is often met with stark criticism and remains a very pertinent topic in modern times. Many view it as shying away from national duties or as a sign of weakness and laziness. But is that really the case?
Fast bowlers, in particular, bear the brunt of this debate. India’s multi-format pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, after constant gruelling IPL games, Test matches, and white-ball series, often needs to be given a period of rest – even if it includes missing a few games – to prevent career-threatening injuries. He has been an indispensable wicket-taker for the Indian cricket team, and his workload must be managed to ensure his long-term participation. Coach Gautam Gambhir has himself stressed the significance of managing Bumrah’s workload. “He is a rare bowler that any team would cherish,” said Gambhir. “You want him to be available for crucial matches; that is why workload management is necessary, not just for him but for fast bowlers in general.”
Despite this, Bumrah has often been the subject of criticism among fans and some former Indian cricketers, who have termed workload management as nonsense, and equated it with a lack of fitness or dedication. This criticism intensified when he played only three out of five Test matches in the Anderson–Tendulkar series. He had made a comeback after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Another irreplaceable member of India’s white-ball sides is all-rounder Hardik Pandya. With his pace-bowling ability, match-finishing knocks, and composure under pressure, he is often termed India’s “clutch” player. Yet, he is also one of the most scrutinised players when it comes to workload management and has frequently been accused of picking and choosing tournaments. The reality, however, is that Hardik has stated his workload is two to three times that of a specialist player, and after undergoing major back surgery, he is no longer able to handle the rigours of Test cricket.
As reported by RevSportz, both Hardik and Bumrah were rested for the ODI series against New Zealand to keep them fit ahead of the T20 World Cup. They were also rested during the ODI series against South Africa to ensure proper workload management.
“A fast bowler does things that go against the very grain of the human body,” said Bharath Arun, as quoted in Mission Domination by Boria Majumdar and Kushan Sarkar. “Bowling fast for 15–20 overs a day is not something the human body is accustomed to. As a result, the body needs rest to perform consistently at its best; otherwise, overexertion can lead to injury and stress.”
While Indian fans often view rest as a “lack of commitment”, foreign cricket boards have successfully normalised it. Pat Cummins, for instance, frequently skips white-ball series to preserve his body for longer formats. Similarly, Australia’s other senior pace ace, Josh Hazlewood, is routinely rotated to manage recurring side strains. Ben Stokes, too, has prioritised specific formats to manage chronic knee issues.
In a packed 2026 calendar featuring three formats, the IPL, and a major ICC tournament, proper workload management is not a luxury but a necessity to ensure that a team’s superstars remain fit and available for global events.
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