“We Are Taken For Granted”: Shardul Thakur opens up on the workload debate

The workload debate is back in the spotlight, and this time Shardul Thakur has put a voice to what many cricketers feel. He says players are often “taken for granted” and not asked how their bodies are coping after months of non-stop cricket. His comments come after Jasprit Bumrah missed two Tests in England to manage his body, a decision that drew sharp reactions. Shardul’s take is balanced: smart breaks matter off the field, but once the game starts, effort has to be all in.

Why this matters now

Modern cricket never really stops. There are internationals, domestic tournaments, league seasons, and A-team tours, often with tough travel. Fast bowlers carry the heaviest physical load, but even all-rounders and keepers are stretched across formats. That is why the idea of “workload management” keeps returning, especially when a star misses a game. Shardul’s point is simple: care can’t be reserved only for a few; everyone needs a plan.

What Shardul actually said

Shardul said no one regularly checks how players are actually feeling after long stretches on the road. He has leaned on physios and strength coaches to stay ready, but believes frequent short breaks help the body last. He isn’t asking for players to pull out of matches at will; he is asking for smarter scheduling and honest conversations. The heart of his message is respect—listen to players before exhaustion forces the issue.

Once the game starts, no excuses

Shardul also drew a clear line between prep and play. He said that once a player steps onto the field, “workload” is not a shield—match situations demand full commitment. That means hitting the deck hard if the team needs it, backing the captain’s plans, and pushing through within safe limits. The management’s role is to help the body reset before and after, not soften the standards during the contest.

The wider lesson for India

India have the depth to rotate, but rotation only works with clarity and trust. Stars like Bumrah will still need tailored plans, and so will players like Shardul who bridge formats and roles. Short, planned breaks can protect careers and improve quality, especially in tournaments packed into warm nights. The win is obvious: fitter bodies, fresher minds, and fewer breakdowns in the middle of a big series.