Longer than expected breaks bigger challenge for fast bowlers: Nehra

NEW DELHI: A batsman can do with yoga and weight training during breaks merchants of speed, former India pacer Ashish Nehra feels, the absence of running for more than three months at a stretch could come in their way of fitness.
According to him, fast bowlers will have to start running sooner or later. India is in the second week of a three-week lockdown enforced to contain the Covid19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 70 lives while infecting over 3000 people.
With sporting activities coming to a standstill, the elite athletes are confined to their homes, trying to remain fit while hoping for action to begin once normalcy returns.
“Let’s consider a few situations. Even if the lockdown ends on April 15, it will take a lot of time for social life to become normal. “If you ask me, I am not expecting any cricketing activity before July. As it is it is a long break and even after action begins fast bowlers have the biggest challenge to return to fitness,” Nehra told PTI during an interaction.
Paucity of space
Just like former India team physio John Gloster, Nehra also feels that the paucity of space for most cricketers is a problem and more so for the fast bowlers.
“Lack of running time for fast bowlers is an issue. Now the situation is unavoidable. So whoever has a garden with about 15 or 20 metres space, they should do shuttle run thrice a week if they are not allowed to train at grounds,” said Nehra.
Shuttle run comprises short strides between 20 to 40 metres where players run between points A and B.
“You can do a lot of yoga or free weights, but a fast bowler’s life is nothing without good running time. There is a lot of difference between them and batsmen,” said Nehra, who has been a bowling coach with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Why does one need to run more than say cycling or swimming?
“It’s not just about heart-rate but also about bowling muscles such as hamstring, glutes, groin and calf, they remain activated. Given a choice between swimming, cycling and running, as a cricketer I would say running. Also a bit of shadow bowling can help in visualization,” said Nehra, who has played 164 internationals for India (17 Tests, 120 ODIs and 27 T20Is).
–PTI

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.