Former India strength and conditioning coach Shanker Basu says the fast bowlers will find it tricky to maintain the fitness levels. Amid lockdown, all the fast bowlers are restricted indoors. Basu feels that without running on the field, the fast bowlers won’t be able to maintain match fitness. Basu worked with the Indian team between 2015 to 2019. He has worked with Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami, amongst others.

“In the current scenario (of training at home), the batsmen can still get away but it is tough for the fast bowlers despite them doing the best they can,”  This fast bowling unit is very sincere and they will do everything in their capacity to stay fit – nevertheless nothing can substitute the actual running in a field and access to any grounds is not possible now, hence the conundrum.” Basu said.

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Basu feels also the fast bowlers will face the challenge to be match fit. He says they have to be ready and bowl at the same or better pace ready when cricket resumes.

“When things come back to normalcy they should be aware of the fact that matches will be slotted and in a jiffy the scene will change and you would be required to turn on your performing hat and steam in and bowl fast. This sudden change in training loads and spikes in high speed running can be a huge risk factor for fast bowlers. They can run on a treadmill but it’s not the same. However, this is the case for all athletes. These are difficult times and current day cricketers are an informed lot and they know how to keep in shape.” he added.

Amid the lockdown, every Indian cricketer is already following a customized workout routine right now. The same routine was designed by Nick Webb who is the new strength and conditioning coach of the Indian team.

Basu is now back with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. He says, “It is commendable to see all these boys do their bit at home. Most of them have some sort of gym set-up at home. They work on the strength part but don’t know how much conditioning they need to do. The boys are mentally very tough but in this case nobody knows where the finishing line is.”

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The 51-year-old has suggested all athletes including cricketers is avoid too much screen time.

“Train twice in a day – once before first meal and once before your second meal. Try to have a routine and it’s not easy, I understand, but as an athlete that’s the challenge. Lying down and browsing channels through the day may not be the right answer. It is a direct invitation for pains and aches. De-training effects starts within 48 hours.” Basu commented.

“Planning the day is important. You decide whether to sleep early or sleep late. Based on that you plan the following day. If you want to sleep early, do an activity first thing when you wake up in the morning and then have breakfast. Then do another activity before lunch,” he added.

Basu concluded with, “If you are an owl type (sleep late-rise late) – activity after waking up and first meal and another activity in the evening to get your steam out. Try to limit your big meals to just two in the day and try snacking in a healthy fashion to stay afloat with regards to your fat percent.”