Physiotherapist hired to help enhance fitness of UAE players

Sharjah: Fitness will be a key factor in the performance of the UAE team in the Asia Cup because their opponents are professionals who devote a lot of time to fitness.

It is rather essential as most of the UAE players are part-time cricketers who dedicate most of their time to their jobs.

Hence, the Emirates Cricket Board has entrusted the job of shaping the players for the rigorous international cricket on their physiotherapist, Chitrala Sudhakar.

Flexibility

"The first thing I did soon after the players were selected is to conduct a fitness test. I conducted the beep test to ensure whether they are fit to perform for a longer span," Sudhakar told Gulf News. The next test, he said, involved a stretching exercise to check the players' flexibility.

"Most of our stretching and endurance tests were done with the cricket ball in hand to keep their focus on the ball."

Other exercises, according to the physiotherapist, tried to improve players' balance and performance on the field.

These were followed by a relaxation session at the swimming pool.

"If the players can maintain this kind of fitness, we can go on to win many tournaments," said Sudhkar, who has also monitored each player's fluid intake due to the hot weather.

Other exercises, according to the physiotherapist, tried to improve players' balance and performance on the field. These were followed by a relaxation session at the swimming pool...