Body
“I am 41 years old, an age where I need more care than other players in the team. But the physios and trainers in theteam have helped me a lot. They have designed my programs andaccording to my needs. I used to concentrate more on match fitness earlier. But since I have had some issues with injuries in recent years, I have to look after my health.
“One of the exercises they have asked me to focus on is running, as I have some issues with my knee. My game is tailored around playing longer formats of cricket. So, I often bat for longer periods of time. Running between the wickets is especially important in this format. Among the exercises that help me are squats. I need my legs to be strong. I do about 3X10 sets. There is also a lot of cardio and weights that I do on and off. I also do dead lifts and push-ups, about 3X10 sets. All these are harder at my age, but so far so good.
“As for diet, when I am playing forand living in Nagpur, I am particular about eating my last meal by 7 pm. This is also possible because there is a canteen there. But when I am at home with my family, following this routine is harder. Eating an early dinner lets your body digest the food and ensures you don’t put on weight. I am not a heavy eater, but I like sweets. I have also cut down on tea. Small things like these help with the diet a great deal.
“Most of the preparation for a big tournament happens behind the scenes. So much of my physical training happens in order for me to recover quickly, stay fit, and be active for six to seven hours everyday”.
Mind
“I am not doing anything special, it’s just the drive to play cricket. More than anything, when I shifted from Mumbai to play for Vidarbha, I played just one season, then got injured and missed the next. But the season after that, when we won the title, it motivated me. I enjoyed the game even more. Had it not been for such a good season, I would have stopped playing. But winning the title makes you want to play more.
“When I am not playing cricket, I am following it on TV or YouTube. Past matches, current matches, etc. the game always keeps me engrossed. Playing cricket is really the only thing I have done, and the only thing I know. At some point, I know I will have to let go and retire. But I want to stretch it out as much as I can”.
Soul
“I am a little religious, so if I get the time, I try to pray four or five times a day. When Ramazan is on, I try to fast if I am not playing. I try to connect with God through prayer, which is something that calms me down. Other than that, I feel that if you are motivated enough, you don’t need any external motivation. I have a calm nature and I’m an introvert. I don’t have too many distractions. I am lucky as I am able to concentrate”.