India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has spoken candidly about workload management, stressing the need for timely breaks in a packed cricket calendar. Thakur, who recently captained West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone, said players often push themselves to give their best but do not always get the same level of care as senior stars like Jasprit Bumrah.
“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 the semifinal.
The 32-year-old highlighted how relentless his schedule has been over the past year. Since October 2024, he has played almost continuously — starting with the Irani Trophy, then turning out in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He later joined Lucknow Super Giants as an injury replacement in the IPL, represented India A in England, and featured in two Tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
“But yes, I have been managing my body with physios, with SNCs (strength and conditioning coaches), doing constant work as it’s about playing cricket,” he explained.
While he acknowledged the importance of staying available for selection, Thakur stressed that short breaks are essential to sustain performance. “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.”
Despite the demanding workload, Thakur remains determined to give his all on the field. “And I believe you shouldn’t be shying away from coming in and hitting the deck hard in the game, keep doing those efforts,” he added.
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