‘They have to bowl more than anything else’ – Kapil Dev’s brutal take on bowlers frequently getting injured

Despite a winning streak in all formats, the Indian team has been hampered by injuries, particularly to its fast bowlers. Among those that hampered India the most was all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had only recently returned to the Indian team after a long battle with a back injury.

Recently, India has been dealing with the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, whose injury in September forced him to miss the 20-20 World Cup as well as the subsequent series. When asked about the recent string of injuries that have harmed India the most, former India captain Kapil Dev responded bluntly.

Kapil, who has had an illustrious 16-year international cricket career, has had a relatively injury-free run. In an interview with Gulf News, he admitted that the extended season in cricket, which includes international, domestic, and T20 leagues, has made cricketers more prone to injury.

“Now the season extends to more than 10 months. The more you play the more injuries will happen. Cricket is not a simple game. One has to be athletic, use all the muscles and play on different ground conditions, the softness and the hardness. Adapting to everything is not so easy, it takes a toll on the body. So you crack,” he said.

The pacers are allowed to bowl only 30 balls: Kapil Dev

When discussing the increase in pace bowler injuries on the Indian team, Kapil made the point that fast bowlers should bowl more in the nets to prepare their bodies rather than take pressure during a game. He expressed his disappointment by pointing out that a fast bowler from the current generation only bowls 30 balls in the nets.

“The more you bowl in the net, the more your muscle will start developing. Today, I am told, that the pacers are allowed to bowl only 30 balls. That’s one reason. When they take so much stress to play at the professional level, then the body starts cracking. They have to bowl more than anything else,” he added.