To keep fast bowlers injury-free is the first challenge: Shanker Basu

With the increasing demands of fitness levels in modern-day sport, fitness has become of paramount importance. More so for the fast bowlers, for whom injuries are occupational hazards. Strength and conditioning coach of RCB, Shanker Basu, who has played a huge role in shaping the fitness levels of many Indian players, spoke about the challenges he faces while training the pacers and why they need a totally different workout schedule.

“I love training fast bowlers because the challenges are plenty. Fast bowling itself is a highly injury-related sport. If you would look at any stat or any history, fast bowlers get the maximum number of injuries. For me, as a trainer, as a strength and conditioning coach, to keep them injury-free is the first challenge. On top of that, we need to work on our performance training also. So that is a double whammy there," Basu said on RCB's Bold Diaries.

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has credited Shanker Basu multiple for bringing about a change in culture in the Indian dressing room with his unrelenting focus on fitness. Kohli also spoke glowingly about Basu for a regimental change in his fitness level, which he felt was important to his success at the highest level.

“In regards to batters and spinners, it is slightly different. We can still get away with a lot of things. They can have a good training session in the ground still they can go full swing in the gym but a fast bowler can never do that.”

Basu further added that there are completely different points of concern for the wicket-keepers. “Wicket-keepers are very susceptible to hamstring and back injuries. They do have a strong back and hamstring but nevertheless as they grow older, this can be a challenge. My focus is to keep their back and hamstring in good shape.”