BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal says players may start training post-May 18, if government permits

The fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown will begin from May 18.

If the government of India eases restrictions in the upcoming Lockdown 4, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that top cricketers might start skill-based outdoor training after May 18.

All the athletes have been confined to their homes since March 25 as the Coronavirus pandemic started spreading all over the globe. “Yes, the BCCI is exploring options to see how our players can start their skill-based outdoor training provided there are favorable guidelines from central government post-May 18,” Dhumal said.  

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Asked to elaborate, Dhumal said: “Since players can’t travel, we are looking at options to see if they can start their skills training (net sessions) at grounds near their residences. The BCCI is in constant touch with the government. We have a roadmap in place for the players in the post lockdown phase.”

It is expected that even if the players train at local grounds, net sessions for a batsman might mean the player and three net bowlers. Team India trainer Nick Webb has given customized fitness drill charts to the players, which has been followed religiously.

Among the top India players, only Mohammad Shami, who owns a full-sized cricket ground in his native Sahaspur village in Uttar Pradesh, is able to do some running. Others are mostly locked in metro cities where space crunch is forcing them to do gym work.

BCCI has even provided an app for the support staff and players to use and Dhumal says that it has been utilized by them for training purposes. “They have been using the app for their training purposes. All the senior India players and support staff have that app,” Dhumal said.

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“The health and safety of our players are paramount. We will not have any camps until the travel restrictions are in place. All our players are at home from the first day, practicing social distancing norms. They are not in camps,” said Dhumal after being asked if players will be asked to undergo COVID-19 tests.

“If there is a specific directive that Arogya Setu App needs to be downloaded, then obviously we will follow the instructions. For the time being skill-based training for players is our priority,” he said.

(PTI inputs)