Before the ODI World Cup, Sunil Gavaskar issued a severe warning to the Indian cricket team: “May potentially destroy a couple international careers.”

Sunil Gavaskar believes that if India doesn’t succeed in winning an ICC trophy at the 2019 ODI World Cup, some cricketers may never have the chance to play for their country. India hasn’t done so in more than ten years.

The former cricketer emphasized one more time how crucial it is for all of the players to play in every series going forward and not jeopardize their preparation for the big event. Notably, the 73-year-old recently criticized Indian captain Rohit Sharma for skipping the first ODI against Australia (March 17) because of family obligations, while he earlier criticized Virat Kohli for missing three Test matches in the 2020–21 Border–Gavaskar Trophy season.

“Every match lost during a World Cup year means that preparation will be harmed as well as the team’s balance. For those talking about exhaustion and skipping games for India, another World Cup loss will have consequences that might potentially end a few international careers, writes Sunil Gavaskar in his piece for Mid-day.

I think Indian cricket needs to step up its professionalism. Sunil Gavaskar

The 1983 World Cup champion urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to look into the players’ workload management. Sunil Gavaskar believes that the frequent player departures are impeding the development of Indian cricket. He urged the cricketers to play with greater professionalism and questioned how they could be happy to miss India’s games.

“I genuinely believe that the BCCI has to investigate this idea of rest. All of the cricketers in Grade A have been given very generous contracts. Each match results in payment to them. Inform me whether you know of any businesses where the CEO and MD enjoy such long vacations. I believe a line needs to be set if Indian cricket is to become more professional. Reduce your guarantees if you want to feel rested. You then take a nap because you don’t feel like playing. I don’t want to play for the Indian team, how can anyone say that? It is why I disagree with the idea,” Gavaskar continued.