They Might Need 4-6 Weeks Training: Irfan Pathan Worries About Fast Bowlers
Jul 19, 2020 at 5:49 PM
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckons pacers will face problems after returning on the field for an extended period of the break because of coronavirus pandemic. Team India has not played a competitive match since March. It has been over five months and rising cases of the virus further halts resuming of cricket.
In India, the COVID-19 cases have touched 10 Lakh mark and 26,816 deaths have been reported so far. Major states like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have seen a rapid increase in cases though two months’ strict lockdown was implemented. The unprecedented virus has created an erratic situation and all the plans have been halted.
As far as cricket is concerned, Sourav Ganguly has confirmed the tour of Australia will be followed later this year. The two teams will play three-match T20I series starting from October followed by four-match Test series in December while the three-match ODI series will be played in January.
I am worried about the fast bowlers: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan said that the players will at least need four to six weeks to prepare themselves before the comeback. He is especially concerned about the fast bowlers who have been resting in their house for a long period. As per him, the pacers will have to be more careful than spinners because injuries might catch them.
“To be honest, I am really worried about the fast bowlers,” said Pathan, who has played 29 Tests and 120 ODIs for India, on Star Sports.
“Going forward, they might need 4-6 weeks to get going themselves. It’s a tough job and if you are bowling 140-150 kmph, running about 25 yards to bowl one ball at a time and then keep bowling for a few overs.
“Your body gets stiff, injury management will be key as well because I think for any fast bowler to get back into the rhythm, it takes at least 4-6 weeks, so I think fast bowlers will have to be a little more careful than the spinners or the batsmen,” he added.
BCCI has not officially arranged any training camp, but several players, including Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav, have started their own training under safety guidelines.