Cricket

Hardik Pandya, India's enigmatic all-rounder, has been making headlines for both on-field performances and off-field controversies. Despite the recent turmoil in his personal life and the loss of the Indian T20 captaincy, Pandya remains focused on his fitness, which he believes is the key to unlocking his full potential.Pandya's fitness journey began at a young age, driven by his desire to excel in everything he does. With a strong base and a relentless work ethic, he developed exceptional physical abilities, including the ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 140 kph.However, as he progressed in his career, Pandya realized the importance of understanding his body and pushing his limits. He credits a video he watched as a 16-year-old for instilling in him the belief that his body is capable of more than he thinks."When our body does not get tired, our mind gets tired," Pandya said. "So, so many times in my life, the difference between when I was able to push my limits was always the fact that when my mind gets tired, I will tell my body to just push because you will always have extra effort in your body."Pandya's fitness philosophy extends beyond physical training. He emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and the ability to overcome challenges. "Start pushing your barrier every single day because the human body is such a lovely creation by god that it will mould however you want (it) to, however you want to have it, it's just that it just needs little hard work," he said.Despite his recent setbacks, Pandya remains optimistic about the future. He believes that his fitness will enable him to overcome any obstacle and achieve his goals. "I never knew what fitness would do to me, but it's just that I felt it that for me I always wanted to be No. 1 in everything which I do, so in a habit of that, I kept training a lot when I was young, I pushed myself a lot, ran a lot so I had a very good strong base," he said.

The Indian cricket team's recent T20 World Cup victory marked a significant shift in the approach to player fitness and injury prevention. In the past, standard fitness tests were used as a selection criterion, but the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has now adopted a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes injury prevention and performance optimization.The NCA has developed three proformas: National Fitness Testing Criteria (NFTC), Performance Testing Battery, and Prevention Testing Battery. NFTC, conducted every 12-16 weeks, includes tests like sprint tests, standing long jump, and yo-yo tests. Performance Testing Battery, conducted every six weeks, assesses specific skills related to the player's role. Prevention Testing Battery, conducted every two weeks, focuses on identifying potential injury risks through tests like overhead squats and glute bridge holds.Notably, the yo-yo test, once a key selection criterion, is now rarely used for centrally contracted players. Instead, the focus has shifted to injury prevention and performance tests. The NCA's team of physios and strength and conditioning coaches has played a crucial role in keeping players fit and available for selection.The Prevention Testing Battery has become particularly important. It helps identify players at risk of injury, allowing the medical team to intervene early and prevent potential setbacks. GPS vests and whoop bands provide additional data on running-bowling metrics and off-field activities like sleep and recovery.In February 2022, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma devised a blueprint for player rotation and fitness management. They identified a pool of players and ensured they were available and in optimal shape for major tournaments. This approach allowed the team to rest players when necessary and avoid injuries.Despite injuries to key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, the team management stuck to their plan of protecting and preparing players. This strategy ultimately paid off, with India lifting the T20 World Cup trophy in Barbados.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opening batsman, has expressed his views on the yo-yo test, a fitness assessment used to gauge the physical fitness of cricket players. Gambhir believes that while fitness is important, it should not be the sole criterion for player selection.During a recent interaction with Sportskeeda, Gambhir stated that fitness should be a factor, but players should primarily be judged based on their skills. He emphasized that the yo-yo test may not accurately reflect a player's overall fitness and that it is unfair to drop or ignore players solely based on their performance in the test."Fitness should be a factor, but I also do not agree that we have to pass a fitness test to be called fit. I don't agree to that. Fitness should directly be related to the trainer. If a trainer feels that you're fit enough, some people are physically strong from a point of view that they can lift a lot of weights in the gym," Gambhir said.He added, "But if you don't select someone just because of a yo-yo test, I don't think that's the right way. You select players on their talent, on their battling skills, on their bowling skills. And it is the trainer's job to keep working on their fitness and keep making them better physically as well. Just because someone doesn't pass a yo-yo test and doesn't get selected, I think that is a bit unfair."Gambhir's comments come amid speculation that he may be in contention for the role of head coach of the Indian cricket team. The current coach, Rahul Dravid, is set to step down after the ongoing T20 World Cup.Gambhir has expressed his desire to coach the Indian team, stating that it would be a great honor. He was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

As Pakistan's cricket team struggles in the T20 World Cup 2024, former star Umar Akmal has sparked controversy on social media by flaunting his abs. Amidst criticism of Pakistan's poor fitness standards, Akmal's post has raised questions about his physical condition and his exclusion from the national team.Akmal, who has been out of the Pakistan team for some time, shared a photo on Twitter showcasing his toned physique. The post was accompanied by the caption, "Attention please. This is for those who think I am not fit."However, fans were skeptical of Akmal's claims, with some suggesting that the abs in the picture were fake or AI-generated. Others pointed out grammatical errors in his caption.The controversy surrounding Akmal's post highlights the ongoing debate about fitness in Pakistan cricket. Many current players, including Azam Khan, have been criticized for their poor physical condition.Pakistan's recent performances in the T20 World Cup have further fueled criticism of the team's fitness. After losing their first two matches, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram called for a complete overhaul of the team."Enough is enough. We need changes now. Bring in a new team, six to seven players and then back them through losses so they can develop as a team," Akram said.Akmal's post has reignited the discussion about fitness and its importance in cricket. While some fans believe that Akmal's physique proves his fitness, others remain unconvinced. The controversy is likely to continue as Pakistan's cricket team faces an uncertain future.

India-Pakistan Rivalry: Hafeez Praises Kohli's Fitness and LegacyDespite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field, players from both sides have consistently displayed mutual respect off the field. From Imran Khan's admiration for Sunil Gavaskar to Inzamam-ul-Haq's introduction of his son to Sachin Tendulkar, countless stories attest to the camaraderie between the cricketers of these two nations.Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between the archrivals on Sunday, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has heaped praise on former India captain Virat Kohli, not only for his exceptional batting but also for his unwavering fitness.In a video shared on his social media handle, Hafeez stated, "Virat has not just set his standards in batting, but also in fitness. His transformation looks easy to us because he is so fit. No matter how much pressure is put on him, he absorbs it."Hafeez emphasized Kohli's unparalleled fitness, highlighting that he is not only the fittest player in India but also globally. "He has transformed himself and understands the importance of maintaining his standards. He could easily say that he has been playing for 15 years and it doesn't matter if his YoYo test score drops or his fat level increases, but he doesn't think that way," Hafeez said."He believes in playing as one of the best athletes and leaving a legacy that no one has left. This is why Virat Kohli is considered an icon in international cricket and the whole world," Hafeez concluded.Kohli's fitness and dedication have been instrumental in his success as a cricketer. With 4038 runs, he is the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket. In 10 T20Is against Pakistan, Kohli has amassed 488 runs at an impressive strike rate of 123.85 and an average of 81.33. His highest score against Pakistan is an unbeaten 82, which he scored in the last edition of the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leading India to a memorable victory.

Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20 batter, has made a remarkable comeback to competitive cricket, showcasing a leaner and fitter physique. This transformation is attributed to a rigorous diet plan and intense strength training, resulting in a significant weight loss of 12-14 kg.After undergoing ankle and sports hernia surgeries, Suryakumar was sidelined for nearly four months. Regaining peak fitness posed a challenge, and a strict diet became paramount. Dietitian Shwetha Bhatia, who has collaborated with Suryakumar on his nutrition, revealed that the plan aimed to achieve a leaner, stronger, and more muscular physique."We adjusted the diet and supplementation to achieve this goal in record time," Bhatia explained. "Overall, he has lost 14-15 kg, with a slight increase in weight after surgery due to natural medical reactions."At the National Cricket Academy (NCA), a Dexa machine confirmed that 13 kg of the weight loss was fat. This advanced device provides detailed information on muscle mass gain, fat loss, and abdominal fat.Bhatia emphasized the importance of a strict diet plan, especially during the recovery phase. "We increased his calorie intake, focusing on matching protein levels to his heightened activity," she said.Suryakumar's meal structure consisted of three to four meals per day, with a focus on high-quality protein sources such as eggs, meat, and fish. Carbohydrates were reduced during periods of lower activity, and he substituted rice with low-carb flours for his rotis. Vegetable and fluid intake were high, with soups and chaanch included in his plan.The trend of elite athletes hiring personal chefs on tours is gaining popularity. Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant are investing in their own chefs to ensure they have access to tailored meals. This practice is particularly common on long tours.

MS Dhoni Reflects on Challenges of Competing in IPL at 42, Balancing Life After International CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has opened up about the physical and mental challenges of competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the age of 42. Despite stepping down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, Dhoni played a crucial role in the team's campaign this season. However, CSK failed to make the playoffs, finishing fifth with seven wins, seven losses, and 14 points.In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's YouTube channel, Dhoni emphasized the importance of fitness in competing with younger players. "The toughest thing is... I am not playing cricket throughout the year. So I have to be fit. Once I come, you are competing against youngsters who are fit and playing international cricket. Professional sport is not easy, nobody gives you a discount for age," Dhoni said.Dhoni highlighted the need for a strict diet and training regimen to maintain fitness. He also noted that social media distractions are minimal for him as he is not active on those platforms.Since retiring from international cricket, Dhoni has enjoyed spending more time with his family. "Once I quit international cricket, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my family. But, at that same time, to be mentally active, to have that passion to stay focused -- for me, I love farming, for me it is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me," he explained.Dhoni also mentioned his love for pets, particularly dogs, which provide him with unconditional love and a sense of normalcy even after tough matches.Despite managing his workload due to a knee surgery last year, Dhoni made a notable impact in IPL 2024. Batting in crucial moments, he scored 161 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 53.67 and a staggering strike rate of 220.55.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the spotlight has fallen on India captain Rohit Sharma's form and future in the team. Despite his recent struggles in the IPL, Rohit will lead India in the tournament, but questions linger about his longevity in international cricket.Age has become a significant factor in retirement decisions, with Rohit now 37 years old. However, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's father, Yograj Singh, believes that age should not be a determining factor.In an interview with Sports 18, Yograj emphasized that fitness and form should be the primary criteria for player selection, regardless of age. "This talk about age, that someone is these many years old... I have never understood it. What is wrong if you are fit at 40, 42 or even 45, and if you are performing?" he said.Yograj pointed out that players like Mohinder Amarnath and Virender Sehwag have excelled despite not prioritizing fitness. He believes that if Rohit Sharma were to focus on his fitness, he could potentially extend his career until he is 50 years old."Rohit Sharma and Viru [Virender Sehwag] are two such great players who have never thought about fitness and training. If he does, he can play till he is 50," Yograj explained.Yograj's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of age in sports. While some argue that older players may lack the physical capabilities of their younger counterparts, others maintain that experience and maturity can compensate for any decline in athleticism.As the T20 World Cup draws near, the Indian team management will have to carefully consider Rohit Sharma's form and fitness. If he is able to regain his peak performance, he could lead India to another World Cup triumph. However, if his struggles continue, the team may need to explore alternative leadership options.

MS Dhoni's Batting Position and Fitness: A Strategic Move or Injury Concern?Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has addressed concerns regarding MS Dhoni's batting position and fitness after the former India captain batted at No. 9 in the team's last game against Punjab Kings.Fleming dismissed any injury concerns, stating that Dhoni's late entry was a strategic decision based on workload management. "We've seen earlier on, when he recovered from knee surgery last year, that there was a certain workload this year that he can manage," Fleming explained.The coach emphasized that CSK values Dhoni's experience and leadership, particularly in the latter stages of the innings. "We want to keep MS Dhoni on the field doing what he does best, which is the last two-three-four overs with the bat, and his keeping and his ability... the sheer technical advice for the new captain is really important."However, Fleming acknowledged that Dhoni's physical limitations require careful consideration. "Physically it's risky," he said. "We've seen early on in the season, a little bit of muscle injury - if he does bat too long, we run the risk of losing him."Fleming clarified that Dhoni's role is solely as a hitter in the death overs, with his batting number and number of balls faced dependent on the match situation. "There's no other reason - he had a side strain way back, game three, game four. And we've just been nursing that through," Fleming said.Despite concerns raised by former cricketers and images of Dhoni walking with an ice pack strapped to his leg, Fleming insisted that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is fit to play. "He can run. It's just that he isn't going to bat for a long period of time," he said. "Keeping is fine. He's very economical with his movements, so he can keep in his... his hands, his hand-eye [coordination] and speed is as good as anyone."With three games remaining in the group stage of IPL 2024, CSK is well-positioned to qualify for the playoffs. Dhoni's strategic batting position and continued fitness will be crucial to the team's success.