Published: Aug 13, 2015, 09:35 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 13, 2015, 09:35 AM (IST)
Ramesh Mane or Mane kaka, as he is more popularly known by Indian cricketers, has been an integral part of the team for a decade now. From Sachin Tendulkar to MS Dhoni, there has not been one single cricketer, who the team masseur has not worked with. However, for the first time in a decade, Mane kaka has not travelled for an overseas tour with the team, as India tour Sri Lanka for 3-Test series. An emotional Mane kaka was quoted as saying by mid-day, “I miss being with the boys. It was always important to look after the bowlers. Some required an ice pack, others required their shoulder or back to be attended to. I used to do it through acupressure.”
Mane kaka, who lives in Vashi, part of Navi Mumbai, reveals the importance music. “It is very important to create josh and increase the energy levels. Anything that removes negativity helps and this is what we always try to do through music. Even after a good session, you need music and our I-pod dock was always on,” said Mane.
Reportedly, Mane kaka’s contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expired in April. Mane kaka is also part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
“I have this habit of sleeping on the floor and when I wake up every morning, I still feel I am in a hotel room. It takes a few minutes to dawn on me that now I am at home,” he said.
Remembering his days with Team India, Mane kaka said, “Firstly, the players have to be attended to once they come into the dressing room. One needs to also organise their energy drinks for the next session. Also, the reserve players usually have a net session and their needs have to be attended to as well.”
