Before the tournament, we decided that because the pace bowlers put in the most mileage on the field day in and day out, they needed to stretch their legs, an Indian team support staff member told The Indian Express upon the team’s arrival in Adelaide for the semi-final against England on Thursday. The team completed its league schedule on Sunday with a victory over Zimbabwe. It finished first in Group 2 with 8 points from 5 games.
According to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, each team is entitled to four business-class seats. Most teams give their coach, captain, vice-captain, and manager these flying privileges. However, once the Indian thinktank realized that they would have to travel every third or fourth day, it was decided that the hardworking pacers would have the best seats on the trip.
Pacers and spinners have been closely monitored by physios and trainers to ensure that the toll of travel does not affect them and that they get enough sleep and recovery. Players have been given the option to skip practice if they feel they need it.
According to one Indian player, a few players will have lost more hair by the end of the T20 World Cup, but it is the fast bowlers’ loping legs that have been deemed most valuable when it comes to air travel.
