Cricket News:  Will Team India benefit from the use of the "rest and rotate" strategy

There is no doubt that the number of cricket matches has increased manifold in the last two decades, which got impacted hugely because of Covid-19, hitting the sporting calendar immensely. As if the number of games was not enough to trigger workload management, bubble fatigue too entered the picture.

With such anomalies of situations arising, international teams never stopped carrying grit and vision to be the best in all hard times. Thus, making the cricket board take crucial decisions on rotation policy that were never taken before. While rotation policy came into the picture via Cricket Australia in the 2000s, it got more famous due to England's board execution, and now the BCCI is attempting to work on the same note. 

Indian Cricket Board BCCI attempting to work on England's rotation policy - the underlying factor for England's recent success

When England adopted a rotation policy, it affected the balance and performance of playing XI every now and then. Regardless of their sterling performance, resting players might affect the team's result unless replaced by an equivalent in-form player. On the other hand, if a player with struggling signs is replaced, this might deprive him of the opportunities to rediscover his form. 

However, they then adapted a rest, rotate, drop policy, which caught a lot of attention as English management looked to have managed to analyze the need for breaks for players who don't actually want or need breaks. This has helped them utilize the players who are in great form at the correct time and enabling the domestic league's fresh talent a timely opportunity to represent the country.

Will frequent breaks and multiple teams will help India?

Despite all the doubts and questions lingering on the management's decision of frequent breaks and multiple teams, the truth remains that India has performed well in all tours. They were able to draw the South Africa series despite losing two matches, the other team defeated Ireland by 2-0, and now in England, they have managed to seal the series win by 2-0 with a match to spare. Apart from the fifth rescheduled match, the team has managed to survive injuries and the absence of experienced players due to Covid and workload management. And this is a big plus point for the team. Rohit Sharma, too, looked good after returning from break and is leading the side with full confidence. The multiple team concept has led to great talents like Deepak Hooda and Arshdeep Singh. So, maybe not now, but watchful management of players and the policy of rest and rotation might help players and teams in backing good players and giving rest to the players who need it.