Former Indian middle-order batter Hanuma Vihari has questioned the reason behind the absence of many Indian premier players following the fitness issues of Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari questioned why certain players were fit and available for the whole IPL 2026 season but missed the subsequent international matches due to various injuries.
“I think an important question is that Hardik, Bumrah, Nitish, and Varun all played 14 matches in the IPL, but when it comes to international cricket, even if there is a slight niggle they are out. Harshit did not play the IPL but made a comeback and got injured again. What is the problem? It’s not too much cricket when it comes to the international level. Why are they breaking down?” Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
Furthermore, Vihari stated that constant injuries could impact India’s build-up to the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027. However, Vihari has kept Bumrah as an exception because he is coming back from injury.
“If these players are unfit and we have to keep changing the combinations before the World Cup, it will become difficult. Are players motivated enough to play international cricket? Or want to play the IPL for money and fame and take it lightly?” he added.
“Bumrah is an exception because he is coming back from injury and has had workload management, and is playing all three formats. But what about those who are playing only white-ball cricket? Why are they not fit? It is a disappointment, and it becomes difficult for the captain and coach to fit that combination,” he concluded.
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