However, the players expressed their helplessness and reported that they were not given enough time to conduct separate sessions to prepare for the crucial test against Australia.

The bowlers were also asked if they had increased their workload in May. Before the start of the IPL on March 30, team management asked the players not to put too much strain on their bodies. The bowlers were particularly asked to increase the workload in May at the cost of longer runs on the net, keeping in mind the preparations for the WTC finals.

The team management felt that since the WTC match will consist of 90 bpm and the players will have to stand on the field for six hours each, their bodies should get used to it.

In their feedback, the Indian bowlers told the team’s support staff that since they travel every third day during the IPL, they do not get enough time to recover. Overloading the body means the potential for breakdowns and injuries.

Several players on the Indian team have already dropped out against the Australians. K.L. Rahul is injured, and Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah are also unavailable. Umesh Yadav and Jaidev Unadkat were injured during the IPL. Yadav has already recovered and Unadkat is likely to be fit as the players, coaching and support staff leave for England in three games.

Before the start of the IPL, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that they would send red balls to all the fast bowlers and they should play them if they have time, but it all depends on the individual players.

After the ODI series against Australia that preceded the IPL, Rohit stressed that players should keep themselves fit for national duties while playing for their franchises in the IPL.

This is very important for us. We are going to keep in constant touch with all the players who are going to play in the (WTC) finals, monitor their workload and see what is going on with them, Sharma said then.

No warm-up game

There is a possibility that India will not play a warm-up game before the WTC final. This is due to the fact that most of the players will be unavailable as they will be playing for their franchises. The IPL final will be held on May 28. The only player currently getting decent playing practice with the red ball is Cheteshwar Pujara, who is currently playing for Sussex in the England Counties Championship.