Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper batsman, Parthiv Patel, is focused on keeping himself fit in isolation despite no certainty when the IPL 2020 could be held.
The league's 13th edition remains indefinitely postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to cricket's global suspension.
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In the meantime, Parthiv is following the day-to-day fitness programme designed by RCB's strength and conditioning coach, Shanker Basu.
"Yes, I am following a day-to-day programme from the RCB. I am getting all the training stuff from the coaches, I am in regular touch with Basu, so I'm trying to keep myself fit. I have a gym at home, so I try to touch all bases," the 35-year-old told Mail Today.
"The future of IPL is something I can't comment on because I am not in knowledge of when things will get back to normal. You can't plan for anything tomorrow, let alone talk about planning for say July or August."
"So that's something I don’t think about personally. Right now, there are bigger things at stake than sport. We in the (RCB) group are talking about it (IPL), and we are staying positive about the future. It's important we stay fit for the day we can resume cricket on the field."
Meanwhile, Parthiv informed that he is already planning for life after cricket. The India and Gujarat veteran is engaged in taking coaching lessons and doing media, broadcasting course among other things.
"As a player, you obviously know about the norms of cricket but I want to learn a few things, the technical aspect of the sport and so I am doing a coaching course. It is not a certificate course but it is for my experience."
"Then, I am doing a media and broadcasting course. I see my future in this - for the day whenever I retire. I have had a few commentary stints in the past and just trying to brush up my skills during this time. I am trying to make the best use of this time, which I otherwise wouldn’t get year-long due to cricket," he said.
Living in Ahmedabad, among the worst-hit places by the health crisis, Parthiv is also doing some charity work, the details of which he didn't want to disclose, and making up for the time not spent with his family.
"It is important to stay at home, making sure you don't go out. I believe that the government is trying their best but it's also our responsibility to help them whichever way we can," he said.
"Personally, it is a bit difficult, but I have accepted the situation by shifting my focus to training. I am spending a lot of time with my daughter. I have never got this much time at a stretch to stay with her at home. So this is a blessing in disguise.
"Something I have discovered about myself is that I can train alone. I don't need to go to the field or a proper gym to do fitness. Cooking is a hobby which I have explored during this time too," Parthiv added.
(Inputs from Mail Today)
