With the rapidly increasing novel Coronavirus cases, the world has come to a virtual standstill. People have been told to practice social distancing as the pandemic has claimed more than 18,000 lives and infected over 422,000 as of Wednesday (March 25).
In India, around 560 confirmed cases have been reported while 11 people have lost their lives thus far. Considering the grave situation, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 24) announced that the country will be under complete lockdown for the next 21 days.
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Amidst all this, Indian cricketers are currently having an unforeseen break from the game. However, they aren’t letting this epidemic induced hiatus to affect their physical fitness.
As per an IANS report, strength and conditioning coach Nick Webb in consultation with physio Nitin Patel has handed customised workout routines to Virat Kohli and company to ensure they stay in top shape.
“All the players, irrespective of whether they play red-ball cricket or white-ball cricket or all formats have been given fitness routines which they are to follow and give updates to Webb and Patel from time to time. The routines have been created keeping in mind the demands of the players. So, for example, a bowler will has been given exercises which work to make his core and lower body strong. Similarly, a batsman has been given exercises which also work on his shoulders and wrists,” source in the team management told IANS.
The source further added that the routines have been made bearing in mind the workout patterns of every player.
“So, for example, someone like a Kohli loves to train with weights as well. So, his routine would have weights involved like the clean and jerk and deadlifts and other exercises. While another player might be more comfortable doing free-hand exercises, so in that case, he has been given more free weight functional training options,” he pointed.
It remains to be seen when the Indian cricket team will return to action. Earlier this month, the 13th edition of Indian Premier League was rescheduled from March 29 to April 15 due to COVID-19 crisis. But following the announcement of nationwide lockdown, the cancellation of cash-rich tournament looks inevitable.
