Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
The members of the Indian cricket team are all set to leave for England on June 2 for a long tour where they will be playing WTC final followed by 5-match Test series against Joe Root's side. However, the fans have been wondering if the team members will be fit for the tour as they are currently under quarantine in a hotel in Mumbai. While New Zealand are looking geared up for the 2-match Test series against England, there were a lot of questions on Team India's preparations for the finals of World Test Championship. However, all the doubts were put to rest by BCCI on Monday when they released a video of a gym session of Virat Kohli and Co. while the whole training plan of the cricketers was also explained to the fans.
The players got a much-needed break after IPL 2021, believes India's SCC
Soham Desai, India’s Strength and Conditioning Coach (SCC) reflected on the current state of fitness of Indian players and said, “Looking at our team, Nick (Nick Webb – Head of Strength and Conditioning) and I both feel that we are benefitted by the gap that we have got for the boys to take rest. They have had a long year, right from last IPL to this.” He added that the players can finally undertake proper three weeks of training ahead of the finals, something which does not happen due to a busy cricket calendar.
Desai also explained the plan of action that has been put in place to ensure that the players are absolutely ready for the WTC final. The players were notably asked to get away from training and the game after the suspension of IPL 2021 and were advised to stay at home, spend time with the family members and relax. Then slowly, the players were put back to a training regime where the strength and conditioning team started to work with the players towards what they actually needed to achieve in terms of fitness. Finally, all the players are out in the gym sweating it out where they looked absolutely determined.
Mandatory quarantine ends for Indian players
While most of the Indian players had reached the hotel by May 19, some senior members like Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane reported on May 24. While they were presented with all kinds of fitness facilities in their rooms, they have been allowed to use the gym after their mandatory 7-day quarantine. The players looked absolutely delighted to finally meet each other after a long time as Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli embraced each other with a fist pump. Pujara and Kohli also looked like sharing a deep conversation while running on treadmill. As Mr. Desai confirmed, the team members are looking in absolutely good shape ahead of leaving for England where they will undergo more intense sessions.