Top Indian cricketers including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to undergo fitness test at Alur camp

The program was prepared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in consultation with its physiotherapists and coaches in order to assess the fitness levels of the players ahead of the preparation camp. The Indian Express understands that each player was given a specific training and diet plan to follow strictly.

The program focused on strength and mobility, shoulder care and gluteal muscles. Each player had to take a certain amount of protein on a daily basis, do gym, walking and running followed by swimming, yoga sessions and massages. Depending on whether one was a bowler or a batsman, they were advised to do some fixed exercises. Each player was advised to get nine hours of sleep.

“This is a special program designed for players as we want them fit for the next two months. The instructor will know who has followed the program and who has not. The team management will then take a call on what to do with players who have not followed their schedule,” said a BCCI official.

Taking no chances

Injuries have been a major problem for the Indian team in recent years. They have witnessed at least one major setback ahead of every major tournament, be it Jasprit Bumrah missing out on the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022 or the uncertainty over KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the months leading up to the Asia Cup and World Cup.

Rishabh Pant is also out after a serious car accident. The Indian board does not want any more such setbacks and is trying hard to prevent them as much as possible.

The camp and fitness report for each player will help the team management and the selection committee in selecting the final squad for the ICC World Cup to be held in India in October-November.

The senior selection committee picked the squad for the Asia Cup on Monday and committee chief Ajit Agarkar made it clear that the 15 men for the World Cup will be picked from the 18 to go to Sri Lanka.

“It really is unimaginable. We chose 18 children. So it will be in and around these children. We have some important players coming back from injuries. Let’s hope all goes well with them. Fortunately, we have a little more time. September 5th is the deadline. We have a short camp and a few games before we pick the team. He will obviously be around these guys,” Agarkar said.