All the sporting activities have come to a standstill in wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 400,000 lives globally so far.

It has been nearly three months since any form of domestic or international cricket was last played and there is no certainty on the game’s resumption yet.

No wonder, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik reckons it will take at least four weeks for players to achieve match fitness.

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Karthik said the cricketers will have to gradually increase the intensity after resuming training.

“I think the transition will be very tough. I think at least a minimum of four weeks, you need to start slowly, first it will be quality and then slowly increase the quantity and then the intensity,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Right now the lockdown has eased a lot in Chennai, so you can get permission and go and practice, so I am planning to do that but I will do it gradually … the body has been completely in zombie mode, with me sitting at home and not doing much.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the Indian cricketers have been spending time at home ever since the nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 24.

Before playing a competitive match, both batsmen and bowlers ought to train hard and work on specific skill-sets.

Meanwhile, the central government has eased lockdown restrictions and allowed the resumption of sporting activities and training, subject to state-specific guidelines.

India pacer Shardul Thakur became the first cricketer to resume outdoor training after the COVID-19 induced hiatus when he trained with domestic players at a local ground in Boisar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district late last month.

However, with inter-state travel still banned in the country, India bowling coach Bharat Arun has urged the cricketers to avail the grounds of their respective home states to do running and focus on their skill work.

(With PTI inputs)