Ex-India trainer Basu says break tricky for fast bowlers, advises cutting down screen time

Former India strength and conditioning coach Shanker Basu feels maintaining fitness without running on the field is going to be quite tricky for the fast bowlers and advises the cricketers against too much screen time during the ongoing lockdown.

Basu, who oversaw the fitness transformation of the Indian team between 2015 to 2019, worked extensively with the potent pace attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami, and ensured they don't break down often.

"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," Basu, who is now back with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, told PTI.

"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."
"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."