Mitchell Starc‘s stunning spell against Bangladesh has once again raised questions over workload management in Indian cricket.
Starc took five wickets in his first four overs and finished with 6/12 as Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in the second Test in Mackay. Pat Cummins also took three wickets.
But Starc’s figures are not the only talking point. The Australia pacer continues to play across formats and has also featured in the IPL.
Yet he was able to produce a match winning spell when Australia needed him in Test cricket. This brings the focus back to India’s approach.
The BCCI team management regularly rest fast bowlers because of the packed schedule and injury concerns. Players are often rotated between formats to manage their workload.
The question is whether that is always the best way to keep fast bowlers ready.
Starc’s performance shows that playing more cricket does not automatically mean a fast bowler cannot perform at the highest level.
Of course, Australia and India have different schedules, players and workload demands.
But the basic question remains the same is workload the problem, or is the way workload is managed the real issue?
India need to protect their fast bowlers from injuries, but they also need them to stay match ready.
Starc’s six wicket performance has given the workload debate another talking point and this time, the numbers are difficult to ignore.
