The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League will benefit Men in Blue ahead of the World Cup. This was stated by none other than India chief selector MSK Prasad. He believes that the players should not be rested from the cash rich league because of the World Cup and the experience of playing in the league can be beneficial for players.
“I have a different view (on the IPL debate). IPL is an international tournament which offers so many complex pressure situations. Rather than sitting and training, you will have to go through so many pressure situations be it with the batting, bowling or fielding. This IPL offers a competitive atmosphere. If you see the example of 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy, we did exceedingly well because we had IPL prior to that. It will only help our players which otherwise a normal bilateral series will definitely not offer. It is just four overs (for bowlers) but it is important how to keep themselves fit other than that,” Prasad said in the India Today’s panel discussion on Friday.
Earlier, Virat Kohli had said IPL performance will have no bearing on the World Cup team selection.
“No, I don’t see the IPL having any influence on World Cup selection. I think that will be very, very radical sort of analysis,” the Indian captain, known for his forthright views, said on the eve of the first ODI against Australia.