The fifth edition of the glamorous Indian Premier League (IPL) will get under way in a few days time. The cricketers from around the globe are gearing up for an extremely popular series, which will be watched and followed around the world.
Published: Apr 01, 2012, 09:36 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 01, 2012, 09:36 AM (IST)
Virender Sehwag (above) and Zaheer Khan not only missed out the 2010 T20 World Cup, but missed the 2011 Indian tour of the West Indies which followed the fourth edition of the IPL © Getty Images
The fifth edition of the glamorous Indian Premier League (IPL) will get under way in a few days time. The cricketers from around the globe are gearing up for an extremely popular series, which will be watched and followed around the world.
It won’t be overstating to say that playing in the IPL is everybody’s dreams and all players would like to be a part of a league which not only gives name and fame, but also a huge pay cheque.
However, with all the glam, name, fame and money, the IPL has its side effects as well. The rigorous schedule, back-to-back matches, promotional activities, travelling across the length and breadth of the country demands a lot from the players. But despite all this, it’s important for players to remain fit and motivated throughout the tournament and stay protected from injuries.
The fifth edition will feature 72 matches played across 12 locations throughout the country, over a period of 54 days.
Many key players, especially Indians, have picked up injuries in the previous seasons and it has resultantly affected the national side’s performance.
India crashed out of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in 2010, after which captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said players have no other choice than to be strict and take good care of themselves in tournaments such as the IPL where post-match parties and hectic action on field follow each other.
Dhoni said off-field commitments were one of the main reasons for fatigue.
“Players need to be smart, not only about their cricket but also about other things going around in the IPL. We have to respect our body and give some time for it to recover because there is more to it than (just) playing matches. Attending parties and travelling takes a toll,” Dhoni said.
Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan not only missed out the 2010 T20 World Cup, but missed the 2011 Indian tour of the West Indies which followed the fourth edition of the IPL.
The cash-rich IPL is demanding on many. Keeping all this in mind, the team managements, coaches, and players need to plan their fitness, diets, schedules and off-field activities properly, which keep them fit and interested.
