Colvin Shield: Players swelter in scorching heat, coaches flag recovery concerns

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has officially commenced its domestic cricket calendar with the state-level senior Colvin Shield tournament, which got underway on Monday. However, the tournament has begun amid grueling conditions, as players face an intense, unforgiving summer heatwave currently gripping the state.

With daytime temperatures soaring well past 43°C during the state’s fierce ‘nau tappa’ period, players are being pushed to their absolute physical limits. Because the 50-over matches are scheduled with a 9:00 am kickoff, the bulk of active play — including the critical second innings — is pushed directly into the absolute peak hours of afternoon heat before finally concluding in the late afternoon. This demands around six to seven hours of high-intensity physical exertion on the field.

Adding to the heavy physical toll, the structural scheduling leaves virtually no window for player recovery. Teams are required to play back-to-back league matches, running continuously from May 25 through June 1.

This has drawn widespread concern and suggestions from former and current coaches.

Sikar coach Harish Joshi has suggested shifting matches to 7 am instead of 9 am. “I was discussing exactly the same thing today. But there are 7-8 teams staying in different hotels far away from the grounds, which is probably why they are finding it tough to start games early. Logistical issues are a big hindrance,” he said.

“I wish we could start early by opting for hotels closer to the ground. Maybe it can be done for the Super Eight matches. I want players to get enough recovery time so they are mentally and physically fresh for the game. Since the weather isn’t helping, it becomes really tough for the players.”

Joshi, however, feels that playing in Colvin during these months is better because “we can have full games, unlike in August when matches get affected by rain.”

Former Rajasthan opener and coach Vineet Saxena pointed out how the BCCI is particular about player recovery.

“The good part is that RCA is organising the tournament, giving ample opportunity to players to showcase their talent. One thing I would like to point out is that the Indian board is very particular about giving adequate rest to the players while formulating the yearly calendar. These domestic matches are critical for a player’s future, so it would be ideal if a break is given after two days,” Saxena stated.

Former state player and Under-19 coach Sharad Joshi has also backed the idea of an early start and suggested having an ambulance present at the ground even during RCA-conducted matches. “Since the dew factor is not a concern in these months, they can start games around 7:30 am,” he said.

Former Rajasthan women’s Under-19 assistant coach Abhishek Sharma expressed concern saying that recovery is also a ‘massive’ issue. “When you play back-to-back matches in such heat, players struggle to turn up with full-energy the next day. Despite keeping their nutrition in check, it becomes a challenge. I heard that the plan was to start Colvin earlier but because of IPL, it got delayed. I am happy that at least we are having this tournament, but the timings could have been better. Since it’s summer, the day starts early and we can start matches as early as 6.30 am.,” said Abhishek.

The former women team’s coach added that players are at risk of dehydration, heat-stroke, heat exhaustion.