Sunil Gavaskar Calls for Uninterrupted Annual Rest for Indian Cricketers

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prioritise player welfare and ensure centrally contracted cricketers get at least one month of uninterrupted rest every year.

His comments come after India completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Afghanistan, shortly after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Gavaskar acknowledged the role the BCCI has played in supporting developing cricket nations such as Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka through bilateral series.

However, he said the health and fitness of Indian players should remain a priority despite a busy cricket calendar.

Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar said: "Yes, BCCI is like the elder brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, and have always tried to help them grow on the field and boost their finances by touring these countries. However, our cricketers’ health and fitness are also crucial and there should be a clear month’s rest for our players in the year. India is blessed with talent and so you can rotate the players but that is cheapening the India cap. The cap mustn’t be given because a player replaces the undroppable player who is rested. It has to be earned."

The former opener also questioned the growing practice of resting senior players because of workload management. According to Gavaskar, India should field its strongest available side whenever possible.

He pointed to India's recent Test against Afghanistan, where Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries.

“In the Test against Afghanistan who have been honest triers but nothing more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries, and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah was rested but wouldn’t he have liked to have added a fifer or a tenfer to his career record against this team. When India is playing, then the best team must play, unless there are injuries of course. But this resting because of workload must be avoided as much as possible. Have a look at the calendar and you will see that India is playing every month somewhere or the other."

Gavaskar clarified that he supports more opportunities for younger players through India A and Under-19 cricket, but believes senior players should get a proper break from the game.

“Yes, by all means have ‘A’ team and U-19 matches so that young players get the opportunity and the experience, but please spare our elite players and ensure they as a team and not just as individuals get at least a month’s break in the year."

He added that the current schedule cannot be changed but suggested future planning should include a mandatory break for players and even fans.

“This year’s schedule is already done and nothing can be changed but since the thinking is to have the IPL start and finish early next year is there, then please add a month’s rest to not just the players but the fans of Indian cricket."

India's next assignment is a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast before the team travels to England for five T20Is and three ODIs beginning on July 1.