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Handle fast bowlers with care & think long-term, FGS!

Every year, the IPL, the world’s wealthiest cricket tournament, showcases an array of talented players.

Three years ago, Umran Malik, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, made headlines by bowling at an astonishing speed of 157 KMPH. In IPL 2024, the spotlight is on Mayank Yadav, who is impressing observers with his rapid rise and remarkable pace.

Yadav, named the fastest bowler in IPL 2024, clocked a speed of 156.7kph, consistently delivering deadly deliveries above 150kph at just 21 years old.

Despite Umran Malik, a 24-year-old cricketer, recently securing a BCCI central contract, he has struggled to secure opportunities with SRH in the IPL.

This is primarily attributed to inadequate management and guidance from both BCCI and the IPL franchise.

With proper support, Malik could have become a valuable asset for his team. Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav, representing Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, faces the looming threat of recurring injuries.

His first setback occurred due to a “side strain,” highlighting the importance of managing his workload and physical condition effectively. Fast bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik are the prized assets of any cricket team.

Their ability to bowl at high speeds and generate movement off the pitch adds a potent dimension to the game, often turning the tide of matches in their team’s favour.

However, with this unique skill set comes a significant risk of injury, given the physical demands placed on their bodies.

When a fast bowler sustains an injury, the temptation for teams and fans alike is to rush them back into action as soon as possible, eager to see them back on the field wreaking havoc with the ball.

However, this approach can often do more harm than good, both to the player and the team. The short-term goals of IPL franchises, which are eager to secure crucial points for advancement in the competition, often clash with the long-term vision of the Indian national team.

This contrast is particularly evident in the case of fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who is recovering from an injury.

While the IPL franchisee may be keen to expedite his return to the field to bolster their chances, the national team has a broader perspective, aiming to prepare Yadav gradually for the upcoming Test tour of Australia in December.

It is not sufficient to argue that the franchise alone groomed, selected, and introduced Yadav to the big leagues. This does not grant them the authority to rush his recovery from a vulnerable injury stage.

First and foremost, fast bowlers like Yadav rely heavily on their physical fitness and conditioning to perform at their best. Any injury, whether minor or major, can disrupt their rhythm and impact their effectiveness on the field.

Rushing them back into action before they have fully recovered increases the risk of aggravating the injury or even suffering a new one due to compensatory mechanisms or overexertion. This not only prolongs their time on the sidelines but also jeopardizes their longterm career prospects.

Moreover, fast bowlers often play multiple formats of the game--Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Each format places different demands on the body, with Test cricket, in particular, being the most physically demanding due to its longer duration.

Rushing a fast bowler like Yadav back into action without adequate rest and rehabilitation can lead to burnout and fatigue, increasing the likelihood of further injuries and diminishing their longevity in the sport. (Note: FGS means For God sake)