Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have roped in former Olympic sprinter Chris Donaldson to join their support staff for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE.
Donaldson will be strength and conditioning coach for the two-time winners during their stay in the Middle-East for the tournament starting September 19.
Representing New Zealand in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics as well as the 1998 and 2006 editions of the Commonwealth Games, was part of the 4x100m relay team that still holds the national record.
After his retirement, the 45-year-old was with the New Zealand cricket team for eight years.
KKR players are currently going through the necessary seven-day quarantine period before they go through the intensive drills at training for about three weeks ahead of the on-field action.
Donaldson is ensuring they remain in shape by providing them “bedroom-workout routine” tips through group video calls.
KKR head coach Brendon McCullum responded to the development of Donaldson on the franchise's official website, saying: “I can’t ask the players to do what I can’t do, right? So while I can’t do the exercises as well as them, I certainly try to put in an effort."
“I’ve also heard that the shirts this year - practice shirts and coach’s shirts - are going to be very, very tight. So, I need to make sure that I am not too fat as we get into the season."
“The guys are now getting to know him. There have been some unbelievable workouts he has given everyone to do. They are hard, and if you haven’t worked out for a while, you can’t do it."
Bowling coach Kyle Mills said on Donaldson's methods, “Sore bodies for a couple of days...But it’s amazing and very, very helpful for all the boys in this time of staying indoors."
“You spend a lot of time trying to catch him and you never will. He is an amazing person and he is an absolute professional. I think it’s going to be a big feather in our cap to have him on board," he added.
(With PTI inputs)
