Team India has once again showcased its dominance in cricket, recently defeating Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test match in just two days. This remarkable achievement is not merely a testament to the players’ skills in batting, bowling, and fielding, but also underscores the importance of their fitness levels. For the past 12 years, the Indian cricket team has consistently set a high bar for performance at home, and a key player in this success story has been the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The board has introduced a revolutionary decision aimed at extending its robust fitness programs to domestic cricketers, elevating the overall standard of Indian cricket.
BCCI’s Game-Changing Athlete Monitoring System (AMS)
Virat Kohli’s intense commitment to fitness serves as an inspiration not just in India, but globally. While Captain Rohit Sharma may not have Kohli’s chiseled physique, his fitness levels are just as commendable, reflecting in his stellar performances on the field. Other players, including Jasprit Bumrah, who has made a remarkable recovery from a severe back injury, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammad Siraj, are all focused on maintaining peak fitness. Central to this commitment is BCCI’s Athlete Monitoring System (AMS), which is now being made available to all domestic cricketers.
After the recent victory in the Kanpur Test, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced this transformative initiative. According to reports, he has written to all state cricket associations, stating that players participating in domestic cricket will also receive AMS support. This system will allow for real-time monitoring of each player’s fitness through a dedicated app, ensuring that they are in optimal condition. Importantly, BCCI will cover the entire cost of this fitness facility, alleviating financial burdens on state associations.
Comprehensive Injury Management and Rehab
Previously, AMS had been available exclusively to BCCI’s centrally contracted players, including stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya, along with participants in special camps at the National Cricket Academy. This innovative system sends real-time updates concerning player injuries, rehabilitation status, overall fitness, and match readiness to coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists. This streamlined communication plays a crucial role in effectively managing players’ workloads, ensuring better fitness, and ultimately enhancing their on-field performances.
The recent inauguration of BCCI’s new Center of Excellence, located near Bengaluru, has further bolstered these efforts. This facility houses a state-of-the-art medicine and sports science unit that will collaborate with state associations to implement the AMS. As a result, domestic cricketers will not only step onto the field with improved fitness levels but will also be more prepared for the demands and challenges of international cricket should they be selected for Team India.
In conclusion, BCCI’s commitment to enhancing the physical capabilities of every cricketer through technology-driven solutions represents a landmark development in Indian cricket. By ensuring that both international and domestic players receive the same level of fitness support, the board is laying down a foundation for future successes, fostering a generation of cricketers who are not only skilled but also exceptionally fit.
