Bhuvneshwar Kumar might skip a few games in second part of IPL 2019 to prepare for World Cup

Bhuvneshwar Kumar also hinted that not only him but all of India’s World Cup-bound bowlers could pick and choose matches during the second phase of IPL as part of the workload management programme.

Keeping the heavy workload in mind, Indian medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is considering to process a request to his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad to allow him to skip a few matches in the latter half of IPL 2019.

With only a couple of weeks separating World Cup and IPL at best (the full schedule of IPL is yet to be announced), Kumar wants to take a break in the second half of IPL 2019 but certainly after taking permission from Sunrisers Hyderabad.  

"Yes, it (World Cup) is there on our minds but we'll look after (our fitness) in the second half of IPL," making it clear that it will be a prerogative of the players and their discussions with franchises.

Kumar also hinted that not only him but all of India’s World Cup-bound bowlers could pick and choose matches during the second phase of IPL as part of the workload management programme.

Asked about the gruelling IPL schedule, Bhuvneshwar, said: "That's there in our minds. It will come into play after the first half of IPL, six-seven matches then we can know how we can approach the second half of IPL and what we need to do to remain fit for the World Cup.

The Indian team management has been categorical in its demand that the troika of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's workload be effectively managed by franchises ahead of the World Cup starting May 30.

Recently, Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore said that there had been no communication from the BCCI with regards to workload management.

Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad had said that talks were on to chalk out a feasible plan.

Bhuvneshwar said that if he feels tired, he will take rest, but only after taking the franchise into confidence.

"There isn't a surety for anything. Yes there is something which is mind, if I feel that you know if I feel that I am tired, then we can take rest. So, of course, it's upto the franchise."

The pacer is hopeful that each and every franchise will have the Indian team's interests in mind.

"I am sure they will cooperate with each and every player because WC is a very important thing for us and BCCI may also talk to them," he said, adding that it is for "every player playing World Cup".