Debate heats up over India’s T20 World Cup preparation regarding IPL vs practice matches
Just a week after the Indian Premier League final, the T20 World Cup scheduling has sparked debate about the preparation of Team India. Former cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble offer contrasting views on the issue.
Harbhajan Singh raises concerns about the lack of dedicated practice matches for Team India. He suggests that at least four to five practice games are essential before the opening match against Ireland.
Harbhajan said, “Yes, I believe it would have been better for them to have 4-5 games, you know, collectively playing against some top team like England or Australia in America, just to get used to those conditions. But that doesn’t seem to be happening. But now, whatever small window we have for those two games, we have to make the best use of it. Going forward, it is a great suggestion. When you are playing a tournament like the World Cup or WTC, the team should play together for 10–15 days; it will be better.”
Former captain Anil Kumble takes a different stance, viewing the IPL itself as sufficient preparation for the T20 World Cup. “With regard to the Indian players, people who are not part of the playoffs will certainly be going early, and the guys who will be playing or who will be part of the playoffs will leave immediately after the IPL. So I don’t see any reason why the preparation should be different. I don’t think there’s any issue with that,” Kumble stated.