Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prioritise the players' well-being, saying that the centrally contracted players should be provided one month's idle time every calendar year. His remarks come amid India's demanding schedule. The side recently hosted Afghanistan in a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series, winning all games supremely. The assignment against Afghanistan was completed in a span of six days, being played six days after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final. Though Gavaskar hailed the BCCI for arranging the series against nations like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, at the same time he also emphasised players' fitness. He also pointed out that making changes in every series cheapens the value of the Indian cap.

"Yes, BCCI is like the elder brother to countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, and have always tried to help them grow on the field and boost their finances by touring these countries. However, our cricketers' health and fitness are also crucial and there should be a clear month's rest for our players in the year. India is blessed with talent and so you can rotate the players but that is cheapening the India cap. The cap mustn't be given because a player replaces the undroppable player who is rested. It has to be earned," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

"In the Test against Afghanistan who have been honest triers but nothing more, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries, and Manav Suthar made an impressive debut. Jasprit Bumrah was rested but wouldn't he have liked to have added a fifer or a tenfer to his career record against this team. When India is playing, then the best team must play, unless there are injuries of course. But this resting because of workload must be avoided as much as possible. Have a look at the calendar and you will see that India is playing every month somewhere or the other," he added.

Gavaskar also said that youngsters should be given opportunities in the India A team and U-19 team.  

"Yes, by all means have 'A' team and U-19 matches so that young players get the opportunity and the experience, but please spare our elite players and ensure they as a team and not just as individuals get at least a month's break in the year," wrote Gavaskar.

"This year's schedule is already done and nothing can be changed but since the thinking is to have the IPL start and finish early next year is there, then please add a month's rest to not just the players but the fans of Indian cricket," he stated.