Break due to COVID-19 will be Big Challenge for Bowlers to Maintain Fitness: Shankar Basu

Former coach of the Indian cricket team Shankar Basu believes maintaining fitness without running on the field is a big challenge for players. It is also advised that during the lockdown, cricketers should focus on fitness in a planned manner. He also advised not to spend more time in front of the screen (TV).

Basu was associated with the Indian team from 2015 to 2019. He has worked on fitness with fast bowlers like Jaspreet Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Shami. Shankar, who is currently associated with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, admitted that the break due to COVID-19 is a bigger challenge for bowlers than for batsmen. The real challenge will be to match fitness when cricket is restored. Running at high speeds can be a bit risky for bowlers apart from sudden practice pressure. Although modern cricketers are quite aware. They know how to maintain fitness. Each player will be working on the workout plan of current fitness coach Nick Webb. Most players have a gym at home. They will be working on the stamina but will also need to focus on adaptation.

Basu said that the Indian pace attack is very serious about fitness and they will do everything according to their ability to stay fit. You can run on the treadmill during lockdown but it may not be like the actual race, although this situation is with all players.