Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has questioned the scheduling of the matches while pointing out that the players are finding it difficult to adapt after months of bio-secure "bubble" life during the global virus pandemic.
Kohli's statement comes after players from both India and England had to move on immediately to join their respective franchises for the Indian T20 League bubble, with the eight-team T20 tournament scheduled to begin from April 9.
"Scheduling needs to be looked at in future, because playing in 'bubbles' for so long, two to three months, is going to be very, very difficult going forward," Kohli said after he led his team to a 2-1 win in the ODI series on Sunday, which capped off a gruelling international calendar for his boys.
"You can't expect everyone to be at the same level of mental strength. Sometimes you do get cooked and you do feel like a bit of a change.
“I am sure things will be discussed and things will change in the future as well.
"But a different tournament, it brings fresh challenges heading into the IPL,” the 32-year-old added.
Ever since cricket commenced after a temporary halt due to the ongoing pandemic, several Indian cricketers have been practically living in a bubble with no real break in between.
Immediately after the Indian T20 League 2020 that ended in November last year in UAE, Indian players have been busy in full series with top international sides -- Australia (away) and England (at home).
During this time period, India have played eight Test matches, six ODIs and eight T20 Internationals.
After the completion of the Indian T20 League 2021, Virat Kohli-led India will travel to England for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand from June 18-22 in Southampton before their five-test series against England starts from August 4.
Feature image courtesy: Punit PARANJPE / AFP
