India batter Hanuma Vihari has questioned the availability and fitness of many Indian players following the team's recent injury problems. Vihari, who spoke before India's T20I series against Zimbabwe, asked why certain players were fit and available for the IPL 2026 but missed the international matches due to injuries.

 

India are therefore missing numerous other international white-ball players in Pandya, Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Varun Chakravarthy. All are absent for the time being due to injury.

 

Speaking about the situation, Vihari wondered if the players were giving up too early after the resumption of international cricket.

 

"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 Raises Concerns Ahead of the 2027 World Cup

 

Vihari added that constant injuries could impact India's build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, as ever-changing playing combinations make for difficult decision-making for the team management to settle on a winning XI.

 

He also made a major observation about some players considering their wicket and India's representation on the same platform.

 

"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?"

 

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Bumrah Kept Out of the Main Debate

 

Even as Vihari probed other players, he suggested that basically Bumrah should be treated differently. The reason is not just a long history of injury but also workload management for a fast bowler practising across all formats.

 

"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."

 

India have been plagued by injuries of late, and the selectors have had to chop and change through the formats time and again. With the World Cup and other such major tournaments around the corner, fitness is likely to continue as the biggest concern for the team management in the months to follow.