Great Indian beamer

The BCCI has succeeded in making its millions but has ignored the welfare of its players. With just eight months to go for the World Cup, Indian cricket seems to be in disarray. And it's a result of the negative effects of the IPL, and its parties, which is affecting the fitness of its key players. By ignoring the human aspect of the game, the BCCI isn't helping the cause of Indian cricket, writes Rohit Mahajan in Outlook.

From his own experience, Bishan Singh Bedi says it’s easy to put on weight during a tour—which is what the IPL is, albeit an internal one. “There are so many opportunities—dinner invitations, parties. While playing also, you’re always eating. If you aren’t careful, you’ll become fat,” says Bedi. Dr Chandran agrees, saying that contrary to perception, the danger is greater in T20 cricket. “There are only 20 overs to play; the batsmen run less because there are more fours and sixes; for the same reason, the fielders also don’t burn so much energy.”

Bouncers, selection blunders, parties etc - all have been blamed for the current state of the Indian team. A rigorous shake-up is needed, writes Sharda Ugra in India Today.

The team's results oscillate between extremes and the media swings between worshipful and deprecating. What should really worry Dhoni is the nature of his decision-making. Insiders believe he must also find out whether he still retains a hold on the team. What used to be the man's strengths-calmness, a relaxed leadership which licenced every man to be himself-have now turned into his weaknesses after three years in the job. During crises, the whip-crackers aren't meant to relax. Optional practice works but not all the time, not in all situations.