New Delhi: The Indian players will have to smartly manage their workload during the upcoming IPL-XII since it will be their responsibility to stay fit and fresh for the ICC World Cup, said skipper Virat Kohli.
Many cricket boards have been cautious in releasing their players for their respective IPL franchises, putting national duty above league commitments.
Kohli said it’s not that he is asking the Indian players not to be committed to their IPL teams but to be smart and aware during the course of the tournament.
“All the workload will be monitored and given a window, the guys can afford to rest. The World Cup comes every four years and we play IPL every year,” said Kohli after India lost the decisive fifth ODI by 35 runs Wednesday to concede the series 2-3 to Australia.
“Not to say we won’t be committed to the IPL but we’ve got to be smart. We have to work in balance and take smart decisions.
“The responsibility and the onus is on the player. No one will be forced to do something. Eventually no one wants to miss the World Cup and cost the team good balance,” added Kohli.
Kohli, has time and again said that India’s World Cup squad is pretty much sorted out and is sure of the playing XI. “As a side, combination wise, we are pretty sorted. Maximum one change, you’ll get to see in the World Cup. As a side, we’re balanced,” he said.
“Hardik Pandya will come back to the team. With him, there’s batting depth, and bowling option opens up. We know where we have to go as a combination. The XI is clear in our head. We just have to take better decisions in pressure situations to go far in the World Cup.”