Why can't the Pakistani players at least adapt to the fitness craze culture from the Indian team?

[Savak]

To me this is Kohli's greatest legacy which he will leave behind once he stops playing cricket. It was in 2012 when Kohli after a woeful IPL season became determined to have the best cricketing physique, nutritional program and fitness in cricketing history and he gave up all the delicious sub continental delicacies like Biryani, Chicken Karhai, Oily food, Beers and started devoting 2-3 hours daily in the gym finding innovative ways to boost his Cardio Vascular fitness.

He admitted it was not easy at all early on and he had huge hunger attacks, pangs, temptations where his body craved for all the delicacies but with a strong will power he kept persisting with his healthy diet and reached a point where his body got used to it.

Ever since Kohli has taken over the captaincy, his team mates have bought into his fitness and nutrition culture as well and the results are in front of everyone. Every player of the playing eleven has a lean athletic physique, Pant displayed his athletic skills when he was on the floor when in pure wrestler style he just used his legs to lift himself up.

Look at the Indian pace attack, the likes of Shami, Yadav, Bhumra have been bowling in the late 85-88 mph and touching 90 mph whenever needed in England and in Australia. These guys also did not have a proper 5th bowling all rounder to ease their work load. And then you have the likes of Shaheen and Amir trundling in SA at 127-130 km/hr for more than 60% in fast, bouncy wickets of South Africa.

Then in Pakistan we have players like Sarfaraz, Azhar Ali, Yasir Shah turning up unfit, with paunches even though they are international cricketers. If the players do not take it upon themselves to meet the new international requirements, does the PCB need to adopt a carrot and stick approach in order to make them do so? Mickey Arthur promised a lot but then has made hypocritical exceptions depending on who is in his good books which is why the PCB Cricket Committee led by Mohsin Khan needs to have a serious word with him.

 

[Hitman]

It's all about motivation, and it comes from the heart. You can't take up a stick and bound the players to get motivated.

Let me ask everyone something. Have you guys ever got into a certain diet to lose wight? Was it because it came from your heart or because someone compelled you to do so?

 

[light]

Think about it this way, who was really fit or had an athletic body before Kholi? Before one character like that pops up for Pakistan, who is also a leader in the team, it will never be a reality. It will never be a reality for SriLanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

These boys follows Kholi, he is a cool character. Generally people likes to copy or follow popular people.

 

[Hitman]

Think about it this way, who was really fit or had an athletic body before Kholi? Before one character like that pops up for Pakistan, who is also a leader in the team, it will never be a reality. It will never be a reality for SriLanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

These boys follows Kholi, he is a cool character. Generally people likes to copy or follow popular people.

I think one poster made a good point few weeks back. A lot of sub-continental cricketers try to emulate Kohli, his body language and mannerisms. Yet they have no idea how much hard work he has put on over the years to be where he is today.

 

[Savak]

Think about it this way, who was really fit or had an athletic body before Kholi? Before one character like that pops up for Pakistan, who is also a leader in the team, it will never be a reality. It will never be a reality for SriLanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

These boys follows Kholi, he is a cool character. Generally people likes to copy or follow popular people.

That's the thing, Kohli with his example has inspired his team mates to follow in his foot steps. Now with all his own personal achievements and cricketing achievements, I can bet my bottom dollar that future generations are going to be inspired by his example. And there is no question that the dramatic rise in super fitness levels of the Indian players have contributed massively to their on field achievements and it reflects in the performance of the bowlers.

These guys are professional athletes, they have the money, resources, time and incentive to get the best possible fitness they need, it will impact their livelihood.

In comparison an ordinary person with 9-5 jobs and other responsibilities will not have the same drive unless he has a hobby or passion for fitness and weight lifting but even then he will probably only be able to achieve a certain level.

 

[light]

I think one poster made a good point few weeks back. A lot of sub-continental cricketers try to emulate Kohli, his body language and mannerisms. Yet they have no idea how much hard work he has put on over the years to be where he is today.

This is true. The amount of hard work he puts both in his game play and in his personal training is legendary. He is the first desi player to achieve this. Rest followed. Before him, sub-continent had great players but never an actual athletic body type player who payed attention not towards his technics but also his diet, work out regieme, etc.

 

[Savak]

Think about it this way, who was really fit or had an athletic body before Kholi? Before one character like that pops up for Pakistan, who is also a leader in the team, it will never be a reality. It will never be a reality for SriLanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

These boys follows Kholi, he is a cool character. Generally people likes to copy or follow popular people.

Imran Khan during his captaincy days was very particular about the eating and training habits of his players. Apparently even eating a burger in front of him was inviting his wrath

 

[MMHS]

The answer is probably given few months back by Afghan WK Shehzad - why bother for dieting when you can hit bigger six than Kohli? I am sure guy was being sarcastic in a lighter mood, but it’s applicable for PAK team with a little modification- “why bother for fitness when you can keep you place some other way?”

PAK players are complacent as they know once the right connections are made, their place is secured. For example - Hafeez was clearly unfit when he has called for Test series (& at this age, it will be surprising if he was fit); they gave him all 5 Tests. In this SAF tour, I felt Amir, Abbas, Shadab & Fakhar were not fit; add to that Haris and I am sure on proper testing Sarfraz, Yasir & Azhar won’t pass the fitness test for such a tough tour - what has happened? They are using fitness as a tool to drop players, when their Captain is (& CS was) fond of biryani (& aaloo)?

Bringing Kohli as example probably isn’t the right benchmark, but there shouldn’t be a double standard.

 

[Savak]

The answer is probably given few months back by Afghan WK Shehzad - why bother for dieting when you can hit bigger six than Kohli? I am sure guy was being sarcastic in a lighter mood, but it’s applicable for PAK team with a little modification- “why bother for fitness when you can keep you place some other way?”

PAK players are complacent as they know once the right connections are made, their place is secured. For example - Hafeez was clearly unfit when he has called for Test series (& at this age, it will be surprising if he was fit); they gave him all 5 Tests. In this SAF tour, I felt Amir, Abbas, Shadab & Fakhar were not fit; add to that Haris and I am sure on proper testing Sarfraz, Yasir & Azhar won’t pass the fitness test for such a tough tour - what has happened? They are using fitness as a tool to drop players, when their Captain is (& CS was) fond of biryani (& aaloo)?

Bringing Kohli as example probably isn’t the right benchmark, but there shouldn’t be a double standard.

Hence my frustration with Mickey Arthur, he justifies fitness as a reason to kick out Mohd Irfan, Umar Akmal, Sohail Khan but turns a blind eye to the transgressions of his blue eyed boys.

 

[Pete Rose]

Well we have Azam Khan...

 

[Slog]

The answer is probably given few months back by Afghan WK Shehzad - why bother for dieting when you can hit bigger six than Kohli? I am sure guy was being sarcastic in a lighter mood, but it’s applicable for PAK team with a little modification- “why bother for fitness when you can keep you place some other way?”

PAK players are complacent as they know once the right connections are made, their place is secured. For example - Hafeez was clearly unfit when he has called for Test series (& at this age, it will be surprising if he was fit); they gave him all 5 Tests. In this SAF tour, I felt Amir, Abbas, Shadab & Fakhar were not fit; add to that Haris and I am sure on proper testing Sarfraz, Yasir & Azhar won’t pass the fitness test for such a tough tour - what has happened? They are using fitness as a tool to drop players, when their Captain is (& CS was) fond of biryani (& aaloo)?

Bringing Kohli as example probably isn’t the right benchmark, but there shouldn’t be a double standard.

In Pakistan the problem is that players who train a lot think that it is license to eat every thing you want. Diet and training go hand in hand which these players who don’t realise.

As it is there are very few with a good training regimen to begin with and even they do not care for the diet. They think cutting down nihaari and paye to once or twice a week is commitment. On the other hand look at Kohli. He hasn’t eaten unhealthy desi food like curries and parathas for years now.

 

[Varun]

Compared to the average Pakistan cricketer, Kohli is a bit of an extreme.

Pakistani players should aim to achieve acceptable levels of fitness - which in turn translates into balls not dribbling past them into the rope, and them able to sustain longer spells while bowling, among other things.

 

[Sachin136]

In Pakistan the problem is that players who train a lot think that it is license to eat every thing you want. Diet and training go hand in hand which these players who don’t realise.

As it is there are very few with a good training regimen to begin with and even they do not care for the diet. They think cutting down nihaari and paye to once or twice a week is commitment. On the other hand look at Kohli. He hasn’t eaten unhealthy desi food like curries and parathas for years now.

You don't have to go as extreme as Kohli. There are plenty of other fit athletes who focus on exercise and diet but still have cheat meals and do just fine.

 

[docteurmanish]

it was kumble ,kirsten , dravid and tendulkar who started fitness culture - they were very fit . but Kirsten and then Chappel made it fundamental to select fit guys.

then came Dhoni - he is fitter than kohli . see him run like a hare at age 37

kohli followed the path laid by these seniors . a large part is also due to ipl . if u are not fit , franchises will eventually not take u .

bcci spends tremendous money on junior cricketers to stay fit .

last- money . indian players get crazy money . i would be motivated to have 6 packs too if u can make that


its not kohli who has created the culture . credit goes to bcci

 

[docteurmanish]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.time...physios-trainers/amp_articleshow/52508474.cms

just for ur reference . add nca in bangalore - mrf academy .

 

[Xoib]

To me this is Kohli's greatest legacy which he will leave behind once he stops playing cricket. It was in 2012 when Kohli after a woeful IPL season became determined to have the best cricketing physique, nutritional program and fitness in cricketing history and he gave up all the delicious sub continental delicacies like Biryani, Chicken Karhai, Oily food, Beers and started devoting 2-3 hours daily in the gym finding innovative ways to boost his Cardio Vascular fitness.

He admitted it was not easy at all early on and he had huge hunger attacks, pangs, temptations where his body craved for all the delicacies but with a strong will power he kept persisting with his healthy diet and reached a point where his body got used to it.

Ever since Kohli has taken over the captaincy, his team mates have bought into his fitness and nutrition culture as well and the results are in front of everyone. Every player of the playing eleven has a lean athletic physique, Pant displayed his athletic skills when he was on the floor when in pure wrestler style he just used his legs to lift himself up.

Look at the Indian pace attack, the likes of Shami, Yadav, Bhumra have been bowling in the late 85-88 mph and touching 90 mph whenever needed in England and in Australia. These guys also did not have a proper 5th bowling all rounder to ease their work load. And then you have the likes of Shaheen and Amir trundling in SA at 127-130 km/hr for more than 60% in fast, bouncy wickets of South Africa.

Then in Pakistan we have players like Sarfaraz, Azhar Ali, Yasir Shah turning up unfit, with paunches even though they are international cricketers. If the players do not take it upon themselves to meet the new international requirements, does the PCB need to adopt a carrot and stick approach in order to make them do so? Mickey Arthur promised a lot but then has made hypocritical exceptions depending on who is in his good books which is why the PCB Cricket Committee led by Mohsin Khan needs to have a serious word with him.

Shaheen is an 18 year old with a 5 match FC expierence playing back to back FC game for the first time what were you expecting atleast give him couple of years before targeting him

 

[JaDed]

it was kumble ,kirsten , dravid and tendulkar who started fitness culture - they were very fit . but Kirsten and then Chappel made it fundamental to select fit guys.

then came Dhoni - he is fitter than kohli . see him run like a hare at age 37

kohli followed the path laid by these seniors . a large part is also due to ipl . if u are not fit , franchises will eventually not take u .

bcci spends tremendous money on junior cricketers to stay fit .

last- money . indian players get crazy money . i would be motivated to have 6 packs too if u can make that


its not kohli who has created the culture . credit goes to bcci

Naw, Kohli credits his fitness to Fletcher apparently he motivated him.

Thing is with Kohli's timing and skills he still realized he needed to stay on top of fitness to reach the level required.

On a general,level Dhawan looks even fitter(could becoz his wife) and Pandya (the misogynist) even more so.

Cricket needs a balance though..skills + fitness, even with all his fitness Rahane is by far a better slip fielder than Kohli.

 

[JaDed]

PCT has had many fit cricketers over the years from Wasim,Imran to even Younis till recently.

Hasan and Amir are fit too but I feel its more of stamina that seems to be missing.

 

[MMHS]

In Pakistan the problem is that players who train a lot think that it is license to eat every thing you want. Diet and training go hand in hand which these players who don’t realise.

As it is there are very few with a good training regimen to begin with and even they do not care for the diet. They think cutting down nihaari and paye to once or twice a week is commitment. On the other hand look at Kohli. He hasn’t eaten unhealthy desi food like curries and parathas for years now.

They do know - what is expected & what not - trust me. But, don’t bother for it because it’s not required at any level if you have contacts. And that was true even 20 years back!!! One PAK player was dropped for a game in Dhaka League (big portion of their payment was subject to number of games played) for unhealthy diet against managements instruction (at lunch during practice) & then suffering from upset stomach on match morning ..... for the rest of the season, that guy didn’t eat anything outside club dining.

Has ever any PAK player been dropped for fitness or poor diet? They are using that to drop Umar, while Captain is found taking pictures with mutton biriyani!!!! Why not make a % of payment sujject to physical conditions (not talking about this YoYo)? Once Sir Alex fined Rooney for eating sugar during season, the year he was highest scorer in EPL, and here Yasir Shah is becoming Azam Khan 2.0!!!

 

[Mp812]

Fitness culture started in India in 2004-2007 period and has been growing.
The filmstars started having gym chiselled physiques from 2004 onwards.Nowdays even the extras or side actors sport gym physiques.
Prior to 2004, even in movies 1 out of 10 hero had agood physique. Before that choclate hero was the trend.
I can vouch for the trend because upto 2005 my small town had about only 3 gyms.
Now it has at least 30 ranging from 5 star gyms with personal trainers to basic gyms where younger generation which cannot afford trainer using youtube classes.
And after Modi declared yoga day, those not into gyms are atleast into yoga, fitness of another kind.
So its not cricket fitness culture that has changed....its an overall trend in country.

 

[Rayyman]

Not sure what you're saying bro. Out of 25-30 players who play for Pakistan regularly only 4-5 guys are overweight. (Sarfraz, Yasir, Bilal, Haris & Abbas).

India has this too with Pujara, Vijay, Rohit, etc.

If you're talking about culture, then it all starts with the leader. It's common knowledge that Sarfraz needs to lose weight.

India is a good team but let's stop acting like they are far ahead in every aspect of sport.

 

[Sachin136]

Not sure what you're saying bro. Out of 25-30 players who play for Pakistan regularly only 4-5 guys are overweight. (Sarfraz, Yasir, Bilal, Haris & Abbas).

India has this too with Pujara, Vijay, Rohit, etc.

If you're talking about culture, then it all starts with the leader. It's common knowledge that Sarfraz needs to lose weight.

India is a good team but let's stop acting like they are far ahead in every aspect of sport.

There's a lot between "overweight" and "athlete level fit".

 

[Varun]

I can vouch for the trend because upto 2005 my small town had about only 3 gyms.
Now it has at least 30 ranging from 5 star gyms with personal trainers to basic gyms where younger generation which cannot afford trainer using youtube classes.

30 gyms in your 'small town'? May I ask where you reside?

 

[JaDed]

Not sure what you're saying bro. Out of 25-30 players who play for Pakistan regularly only 4-5 guys are overweight. (Sarfraz, Yasir, Bilal, Haris & Abbas).

India has this too with Pujara, Vijay, Rohit, etc.

If you're talking about culture, then it all starts with the leader. It's common knowledge that Sarfraz needs to lose weight.

India is a good team but let's stop acting like they are far ahead in every aspect of sport.

Vijay is out bro and Pujara is overweight any article regarding the same?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

No need to emulate kohli and his gluten free vegan diet or whatever. I think that's a little too extreme. The only real difference I see is that your bowlers cant seem to sustain pace over a longer time period but I think there are individual reasons for that. I don't think Pakistani players are extremely unfit.

 

[Mp812]

30 gyms in your 'small town'? May I ask where you reside?

Navi Mumbai

 

[PakPremi]

Pakistanis are big meat eater so not easy for them to be low weight like Indian players. Believe me Pakistanis in past have performed better with 50 percent worse fitness. This team is very fit in comparison. Blaming Sarfraz for everything has become a passion for some posters but he looks fine to me, of course age is catching up with him and his physique is generally bulky just lile Haris Sohail. Pakistan only has other problems like undeserved selections, not getting cricket at home and enough exposure for upcoming players abroad due to lack of A game tours, , and insufficient domestic structure and pitches.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Dhoni is still fit. Sachin was also fit. Dravid was a freak as well with monitoring salt level. I remember you is khan doing push ups after a 100 in sweltering heat. Having said that fast bowlers need a whole different level of fitness compared to batsmen. Cummins Wagner Steyn to name a few

 

[Usman Chadda]

Our pace bowlers' speeds (or lack of) is more about them carrying niggles. You can't go from bowling 140+ kph to hardly even touching that mark, without having some sort of issue with your rhythm. Hasan was clocking 88 mph in UAE at times, and I'm certain he is carrying a niggle which is limiting him to low speeds. Similarly, Amir aswell has issues with his rhythm. Shaheen is young and thrown into the deep end, without much conditioning required for an international cricketer.

Our players, specially pacers, are fit but I believe they are carrying slight injuries which is preventing them from bowling at full tilt. I thought they had been instructed to bowl within themselves for control, but Sarfraz's outburst says otherwise.

 

[CricFan2012]

Indian cricketers are more passionate than Pakistani cricketers or they have better facilities.

Different mentality as well. I constantly see stuff like leaving stuff to Allah in our society and the result shows in every facet of life. We depend on some other 'force' while we only have the power to bring about change.

 

[JattMaula]

Not all Indian players are fit.

Ashwin and Rohit have never felt the need to go that extra mile for fitness. Rohit is a batter and has good endurance but Ashwin is a disgrace.

 

[Savak]

Not sure what you're saying bro. Out of 25-30 players who play for Pakistan regularly only 4-5 guys are overweight. (Sarfraz, Yasir, Bilal, Haris & Abbas).

India has this too with Pujara, Vijay, Rohit, etc.

If you're talking about culture, then it all starts with the leader. It's common knowledge that Sarfraz needs to lose weight.

India is a good team but let's stop acting like they are far ahead in every aspect of sport.

Ofcourse they are, their pacers have even overtaken the Pakistani pacers in the pace department and can keep their speeds up for longer spells for the entire duration of the test match without the need of a 5th bowler. Physique has nothing to do with it but quality of nutrition, cardio vascular training and gym work has plenty and it was inexcusable for Amir and Shaheen to be bowling at 126-130 km/hr in South Africa for 60% of the time.

 

[CricFan2012]

To add to the above.

Indian players earn much more compared to Pakistani players, through better paying advertising, IPL, etc. They have more motivation to keep on living that lifestyle which can only be fuelled by their good performances, and to perform well one has to be fit.

This still doesn't excuse the Pakistani players for their mediocre fitness. They are making more than the average Pakistani and have fame, that should be enough motivating, heck playing for your country should be enough, but they are not passionate enough to go the extra mile and ditch the desi food.

 

[Savak]

Our pace bowlers' speeds (or lack of) is more about them carrying niggles. You can't go from bowling 140+ kph to hardly even touching that mark, without having some sort of issue with your rhythm. Hasan was clocking 88 mph in UAE at times, and I'm certain he is carrying a niggle which is limiting him to low speeds. Similarly, Amir aswell has issues with his rhythm. Shaheen is young and thrown into the deep end, without much conditioning required for an international cricketer.

Our players, specially pacers, are fit but I believe they are carrying slight injuries which is preventing them from bowling at full tilt. I thought they had been instructed to bowl within themselves for control, but Sarfraz's outburst says otherwise.

Amir has bowled at these speeds in the UAE and England as well, problem is clearly fitness and lack of heart when the going gets tough

 

[Savak]

Not all Indian players are fit.

Ashwin and Rohit have never felt the need to go that extra mile for fitness. Rohit is a batter and has good endurance but Ashwin is a disgrace.

Lol, what are you talking about? Ashwin is a spinner and pretty lean. All I meant was that a large proportion of Kohli's team mates had bought into his fitness drive.

 

[Savak]

To add to the above.

Indian players earn much more compared to Pakistani players, through better paying advertising, IPL, etc. They have more motivation to keep on living that lifestyle which can only be fuelled by their good performances, and to perform well one has to be fit.

This still doesn't excuse the Pakistani players for their mediocre fitness. They are making more than the average Pakistani and have fame, that should be enough motivating, heck playing for your country should be enough, but they are not passionate enough to go the extra mile and ditch the desi food.

Centrally contracted players who play for Pakistan in all formats, PSL, T-20 leagues around the world and have been playing for 4-5 years earn way more than the common person in Pakistan. They should have no excuse for not keeping up to par with the modern fitness and nutrition standards.

 

[CricFan2012]

Centrally contracted players who play for Pakistan in all formats, PSL, T-20 leagues around the world and have been playing for 4-5 years earn way more than the common person in Pakistan. They should have no excuse for not keeping up to par with the modern fitness and nutrition standards.

Agreed, it is extremely mind boggling.

If I was a professional athlete it would be incredibly easy to maintain a perfect physique to prolong my career to earn the most money because you earn less after retirement.

So my only explanation is the mentality of our players in leaving it to Allah, and just having less passion, they should be excited to be playing for their country and earning big bucks.

 

[Savak]

Agreed, it is extremely mind boggling.

If I was a professional athlete it would be incredibly easy to maintain a perfect physique to prolong my career to earn the most money because you earn less after retirement.

So my only explanation is the mentality of our players in leaving it to Allah, and just having less passion, they should be excited to be playing for their country and earning big bucks.

I would say more content to be just about good players and keeping their place in the side rather than aiming to be the very best. The kind of lifestyle that Kohli leads where he works very hard on his fitness and then works very hard on his skills requires crazy amounts of dedication, whats even more amazing is he takes time out for his commercial activities and has a glamourous life outside the game as well. Don't think any of our players will be capable of maintaining the perfect balance.

Hasan Ali in his first year constantly talked about good, solid work ethic and dietary, eating habits but I wonder now that he is seeing the money coming in, the fame, adulation whether a sense of complacency hasn't crept into his game.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Amir has bowled at these speeds in the UAE and England as well, problem is clearly fitness and lack of heart when the going gets tough

UAE, yes. England, I believe his average speed was higher.

 

[Savak]

UAE, yes. England, I believe his average speed was higher.

Nope, slowed down to 80-82 mph in his later spells.

 

[topspin]

Imran Khan during his captaincy days was very particular about the eating and training habits of his players. Apparently even eating a burger in front of him was inviting his wrath

How things have changed since then

 

[Mr.Q]

I think it has to be a lack of general awareness and exposure to the world because it’s been a while since the fitness bug bit the world. India didn’t start it. As a modern society and economy India is just following the trend. ‘Fitness’ is a booming business here.

[MENTION=131539]CricFan2012[/MENTION] and [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] made a relevant point. Being far too religious can be a problem too. When you think everything has been decided beforehand and that things happen in a scripted manner, why would you do squats or lift those weights?

 

[Savak]

I think it has to be a lack of general awareness and exposure to the world because it’s been a while since the fitness bug bit the world. India didn’t start it. As a modern society and economy India is just following the trend. ‘Fitness’ is a booming business here.

[MENTION=131539]CricFan2012[/MENTION] and [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] made a relevant point. Being far too religious can be a problem too. When you think everything has been decided beforehand and that things happen according to some script, why would you do squats or lift those weights?

Fitness is a booming business in Pakistan as well. I left Pakistan in 2012 and back then there were only a handful of gyms in Karachi. Now on my instagram, I am just bewildered by the amount of Fitness trainers, instructors who are making a killing. I know of a few people who have left their corporate jobs and gone into Fitness training, instructing full time and are making ten times what they would have made in the Corporate world. Its a new field in Pakistan but its picking up.

I don't think we have a single show biz or film actor with an international standard physique, but in Bollywood a world class physique is a basic prerequisite now.

 

[topspin]

Hence my frustration with Mickey Arthur, he justifies fitness as a reason to kick out Mohd Irfan, Umar Akmal, Sohail Khan but turns a blind eye to the transgressions of his blue eyed boys.

I'd be careful for what you wish for, his predecessor Waqar Younis was a tactical failure and ultra defensive minded especially in regards to batting philosophy. Along with Misbah he was also a major culprit responsible for Pakistan's ODI ranking of 9th a few years back.

Yes he's made mistakes, for example with his one spinner preference in Sarfraz's first series - leading the side against SL at home however he's doing the best that he can with the mediocrity that Pakistan cricket is yielding these days.

 

[topspin]

I think it has to be a lack of general awareness and exposure to the world because it’s been a while since the fitness bug bit the world. India didn’t start it. As a modern society and economy India is just following the trend. ‘Fitness’ is a booming business here.

[MENTION=131539]CricFan2012[/MENTION] and [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] made a relevant point. Being far too religious can be a problem too. When you think everything has been decided beforehand and that things happen in a scripted manner, why would you do squats or lift those weights?

As controversial as it sounds, but you've hit the nail on the head - this is one of the reasons why cricket must be secularised.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If you want to emulate any teams fitness it has to be Australia, NZ or England. I could out run or exercise most of the Indian team. Shami, Pujara, Rahane, Vijay, Sharma aren't exactly athletes but they dont need be because it's cricket not football or boxing. As long as you can do your job, it's fine. Of course players will get tired but it's more important they can recover quickly for the next day of play.

In LOI's it's a different story as fielders need to be quick at reacting and quick at moving.

The Aussies, Kiwis, English and Saffers are the athletes because their culture of growing up revolves around playing a lot of different sports in school.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I remember Inzamam worked hard and lost lot of weight prior to 2003 world cup. Probably lowest weight in his life after he became an adult? But his returns were 19 runs in 6 matches. lol. Let us face it. Cricket is a game that accommodates over-weight people, slow movers. Compare Jadeja and Ashwin. One is lightning quick, fast throwing arm, runs well betweent he wickets. Ashwin is a slow mover, runs dreadfully. Both are very important for India at home. Chris Gayle for all his muscle building is a slow mover. He just jogs for singles. Sehwag was never a six pack guy. South Africa made close 600 in 42 degree cg at chennai. He came back to open made 319 in no time bashing Steyn, Ntini and co effortlessly. Batting doesn't need that much of fitness. Fast bowlers are the one that need to have top fitness.

 

[Rayyman]

Indian cricketers are more passionate than Pakistani cricketers or they have better facilities.

Different mentality as well. I constantly see stuff like leaving stuff to Allah in our society and the result shows in every facet of life. We depend on some other 'force' while we only have the power to bring about change.

I think it has to be a lack of general awareness and exposure to the world because it’s been a while since the fitness bug bit the world. India didn’t start it. As a modern society and economy India is just following the trend. ‘Fitness’ is a booming business here.

[MENTION=131539]CricFan2012[/MENTION] and [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] made a relevant point. Being far too religious can be a problem too. When you think everything has been decided beforehand and that things happen in a scripted manner, why would you do squats or lift those weights?

[/B]

As controversial as it sounds, but you've hit the nail on the head - this is one of the reasons why cricket must be secularised.

But it's not the religion itself, it's the way that they follow the religion. Some people in Pakistan think they are all religious, but they don't even know simple facts about Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was said to never have a protruding belly even in his late age. Iirc one of his companions was even harsh with an overweight man.

In fact I'd argue that religion could help fitness. As in Islam it's important to be in good shape.

These people that say "leave it to Allah" are just lazy. There are lazy people in every country.

Being secular is part of it, but some religious people in Pakistan are so extreme that they will say stuff like "TV is forbidden", "Beard is mandatory", etc. Definitely they need to stop being scared the changes in society.

Religion and sport can definitely coexist. It's not an Islamic problem. Muslims in other countries are extremely fit like Khawaja, Moeen, Tahir and Amla are in terrific shape.

Fitness is more a problem in Pakistani culture than it is in Islam.

 

[KingKhanWC]

But it's not the religion itself, it's the way that they follow the religion. Some people in Pakistan think they are all religious, but they don't even know simple facts about Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was said to never have a protruding belly even in his late age. Iirc one of his companions was even harsh with an overweight man.

In fact I'd argue that religion could help fitness. As in Islam it's important to be in good shape.

These people that say "leave it to Allah" are just lazy. There are lazy people in every country.

Being secular is part of it, but some religious people in Pakistan are so extreme that they will say stuff like "TV is forbidden", "Beard is mandatory", etc. Definitely they need to stop being scared the changes in society.

Religion and sport can definitely coexist. It's not an Islamic problem. Muslims in other countries are extremely fit like Khawaja, Moeen, Tahir and Amla are in terrific shape.

Fitness is more a problem in Pakistani culture than it is in Islam.

Well said. Some foolish post blaming being religious for lack of fitness, guess they have never heard of Mohammed Ali, Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov or Imran Khan to name a few.

 

[King-Misbah]

Apart Kohli no other Indian is very fit or has a good physique. Heck even I am more fit then many members of the Indian team. They are playing very good but let's not go over board with statements like these. The aussys were fit; I remember Symonds, Johnson and Tait. Even Wasim Akram was very fit; he once beat an athlete on a challenge. The video is on YouTube. Those talking about culture etc Misbah was an extremely fit person; so it's not even that. It's all about motivation and going the extra mile.

 

[iPakistani]

Apart Kohli no other Indian is very fit or has a good physique. Heck even I am more fit then many members of the Indian team. They are playing very good but let's not go over board with statements like these. The aussys were fit; I remember Symonds, Johnson and Tait. Even Wasim Akram was very fit; he once beat an athlete on a challenge. The video is on YouTube. Those talking about culture etc Misbah was an extremely fit person; so it's not even that. It's all about motivation and going the extra mile.

Very true, these people are overhyping a team that isn't even extremely fit (barring Kohli). South Africans seem to be extremely fit, I don't know what this thread intended.

 

[SportsWarrior]

That's the thing, Kohli with his example has inspired his team mates to follow in his foot steps. Now with all his own personal achievements and cricketing achievements, I can bet my bottom dollar that future generations are going to be inspired by his example. And there is no question that the dramatic rise in super fitness levels of the Indian players have contributed massively to their on field achievements and it reflects in the performance of the bowlers.

These guys are professional athletes, they have the money, resources, time and incentive to get the best possible fitness they need, it will impact their livelihood.

In comparison an ordinary person with 9-5 jobs and other responsibilities will not have the same drive unless he has a hobby or passion for fitness and weight lifting but even then he will probably only be able to achieve a certain level.

although Kholi is the poster boy now, seriousness about fitness much before his time. SRT was supremely match fit (he had to be to have a career of 24 years) so was Azhar, Kapil, Dravid, Yuvi, Kaif etc when they all played at their peak. But starting from Kholi not oly players are match fit they also look fit like an athlete.

 

[jaf348]

Even Wasim Akram was very fit; he once beat an athlete on a challenge. The video is on YouTube.

I once watched a documentary on Pakistan's tour of India in 99, he had his shirt off in one of the scenes and had a huge protuding belly. In another scene, Miandad offer him some bananas but he said no I want chicken tikka

 

[SportsWarrior]

Apart Kohli no other Indian is very fit or has a good physique. Heck even I am more fit then many members of the Indian team. They are playing very good but let's not go over board with statements like these. The aussys were fit; I remember Symonds, Johnson and Tait. Even Wasim Akram was very fit; he once beat an athlete on a challenge. The video is on YouTube. Those talking about culture etc Misbah was an extremely fit person; so it's not even that. It's all about motivation and going the extra mile.

Lokesh, Bumrah, Ishant, Jadeja, Pandya, Kohli, Agarwal, all are quite fit. Pant and Kuldeep look chubby but they are very young and will build once they mature. Ashwin and Shami are perennially unfit. Pujara is not athletically fit but is always match fit and capable of playing very long. Rahane looks malnutritioned and Vihari looks average

 

[gazza619]

I remember Inzamam worked hard and lost lot of weight prior to 2003 world cup. Probably lowest weight in his life after he became an adult? But his returns were 19 runs in 6 matches. lol. Let us face it. Cricket is a game that accommodates over-weight people, slow movers. Compare Jadeja and Ashwin. One is lightning quick, fast throwing arm, runs well betweent he wickets. Ashwin is a slow mover, runs dreadfully. Both are very important for India at home. Chris Gayle for all his muscle building is a slow mover. He just jogs for singles. Sehwag was never a six pack guy. South Africa made close 600 in 42 degree cg at chennai. He came back to open made 319 in no time bashing Steyn, Ntini and co effortlessly. Batting doesn't need that much of fitness. Fast bowlers are the one that need to have top fitness.

Agreed, fitness is a bit overated. However things have moved on from Sehwag and Inzi days and some level of fitness is required specially if you are playing all the formats.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Pakistanis are big meat eater so not easy for them to be low weight like Indian players. Believe me Pakistanis in past have performed better with 50 percent worse fitness. This team is very fit in comparison. Blaming Sarfraz for everything has become a passion for some posters but he looks fine to me, of course age is catching up with him and his physique is generally bulky just lile Haris Sohail. Pakistan only has other problems like undeserved selections, not getting cricket at home and enough exposure for upcoming players abroad due to lack of A game tours, , and insufficient domestic structure and pitches.

honestly players like, Yasir, Sarfarz, Harris, Azhar have body shape of rice eating south Indians. Hasan and Amir don't look like the picture you are painting either

 

[giri26]

Fitness is a must in any physical sport and Asian teams for years have been ignoring the same. Even though there have been some fit players to come out of Asia over the years but overall standards were pretty low. This was evident in poor running between the wickets, fielding etc in the previous decades. Now things have changed, and all teams have been better. India is surely setting a benchmark for the Asian teams. I am really happy for the same.

 

[JattMaula]

If you want to emulate any teams fitness it has to be Australia, NZ or England. I could out run or exercise most of the Indian team. Shami, Pujara, Rahane, Vijay, Sharma aren't exactly athletes but they dont need be because it's cricket not football or boxing. As long as you can do your job, it's fine. Of course players will get tired but it's more important they can recover quickly for the next day of play.

In LOI's it's a different story as fielders need to be quick at reacting and quick at moving.

The Aussies, Kiwis, English and Saffers are the athletes because their culture of growing up revolves around playing a lot of different sports in school.

Shami is unfit? Fitness is not six pack abs brother. He can bowl 50th over of 4th match in a high intensity test series at 90mph(same as his first over).

 

[light]

Imran Khan during his captaincy days was very particular about the eating and training habits of his players. Apparently even eating a burger in front of him was inviting his wrath

I'm sure he was but forcing someone to do something vs someone trying to copy you cause they want to be like you is two different thing. Imran was a hard working guy no doubt, so was the team he had but the current bunch of players have a fat and chunky butt captain who can't perform to save his life and is full of negativity. Who really wants a role model like that? Kholi on the other hand sets example and is a "cool guy" - people wants to follow him hence you see a different culture of players now for india. Ahmed Shezad only tried to copy his looks, if only he copied the rest of the stuffs, would have done a lot of wonders for that guy lol.

 

[Mp812]

Lokesh, Bumrah, Ishant, Jadeja, Pandya, Kohli, Agarwal, all are quite fit. Pant and Kuldeep look chubby but they are very young and will build once they mature. Ashwin and Shami are perennially unfit. Pujara is not athletically fit but is always match fit and capable of playing very long. Rahane looks malnutritioned and Vihari looks average

Rahane is black belt in taekwondoo

 

[austerlitz]

0:24 in second video you get your answer.

 

[PakLFC]

Our players don't want to change. They don't want to get outside their comfort zone even if it benefits the country. Indian Cricketers like Kohli are always open to changes even working their backs off when they are not playing. They are improving all the time. It's all in the mind and attitude.

 

[Rishta Aunty]

Apart Kohli no other Indian is very fit or has a good physique. Heck even I am more fit then many members of the Indian team. They are playing very good but let's not go over board with statements like these. The aussys were fit; I remember Symonds, Johnson and Tait. Even Wasim Akram was very fit; he once beat an athlete on a challenge. The video is on YouTube. Those talking about culture etc Misbah was an extremely fit person; so it's not even that. It's all about motivation and going the extra mile.

Actually most of the Indian players seem very fit. Bumrah has a six-pack, as does Rahul, Pandya and bunch of others. I saw Pant do a ridiculous back-flip with his pads on. Credit where credit is due. We can learn a lot from how this Indian team has transformed itself in the past 5 years in particular.

 

[Savak]

Ahmed Shehzad like Shan Masood works very hard in the gym. Only if he could translate that into his batting. Maybe take a leaf out of Shan Masood's book and work with the coach in England.

 

[Bubby]

Also even normal kids are becoming health conscious, super food like quinoa are also know grown in India is available through online stores ,good stores and small restaurant in Metro's, it's lot cheaper compared to earlier, same with other good healthy foods. Now the craze is to have a good fit body rather than those bulky physique.

 

[Suleiman]

It's about the mindset...

Our players are satisfied and happy to do the bare minimum to remain international cricketers. You can see it in recent times after scoring a 50, they take off the helmet, kiss the turf... and then almost immediately get out. Just look at Sarfraz's first ODI 50 vs Australia in UAE... he was screaming on top of his lungs, helmet off.

None of these guys score daddy hundreds in tests.

They just don't have the passion and fight in them. The guys who do, Shoaib Malik, Hasan Ali and Shan Masood, start well and make successful comebacks before age catches up (the former) or are not good enough to begin with (Shehzad) because fitness will only take you so far.

In India even the fringe player of the C team will be going the extra mile at the gym to crack it.

But it wasn't always like this obviously, you can see the teams of the 70s-90s had some super fit guys inzi bear not included).

That's the difference. You have to earn the right to be called an athlete, by living like one. Eat like one and train like one. Most of our guys don't do that.

 

[Suleiman]

How things have changed since then

View attachment 87049

) Afridi's like, give me my other whopper before I bite into someone's ball.

But credit to Lala, even at 40+ of age he is alive and kicking scoring runs and taking wickets for fun. Our other seniors need to have some sharam.

 

[Abdul]

Because fitness requires a lot of dedication and our players are not willing to commit. This is what happens when you're always looking for shortcuts. A deprivation based diet is never going to work and this is a fact because it means that you'll go back to eating your crappy foods once you're done "dieting." I'm not going to blame our culture here because it's not like the western people are the best when it comes to being good role models.

 

[adil_909]

For an athlete, fitness is about professionalism. And if there is one word that is completely foreign to Pakistanis, that is professionalism. In fact we make stupid excuses to justify why fitness is not important for our athletes. We enable their unprofessionalism.

 

[iniqbal223]

I am full time banker, and always find time t train, and fitter than most of our boys.
Wonder why our boys cant maintain that, when they are athlete and are paid to do maintain themselves physically

 

[Mr. Cricket]

If you want to emulate any teams fitness it has to be Australia, NZ or England. I could out run or exercise most of the Indian team. Shami, Pujara, Rahane, Vijay, Sharma aren't exactly athletes but they dont need be because it's cricket not football or boxing. As long as you can do your job, it's fine. Of course players will get tired but it's more important they can recover quickly for the next day of play.

In LOI's it's a different story as fielders need to be quick at reacting and quick at moving.

The Aussies, Kiwis, English and Saffers are the athletes because their culture of growing up revolves around playing a lot of different sports in school.

Oh boy, how much hate you have for India. Can't digest a thing in which we are good.
One should learn from one another despite natural animosity.

 

[latecut]

Oh boy, how much hate you have for India. Can't digest a thing in which we are good.
One should learn from one another despite natural animosity.

Why bother.

 

[PakPremi]

Oh boy, how much hate you have for India. Can't digest a thing in which we are good.
One should learn from one another despite natural animosity.

I think you are missing the point , every team has some bulky or sluggish players who are not super fit.
Pak have many good examples of fit player like Malik, Hasan Ali, Shazad, Shadab, Masood, Faheem etc. Everyone likes ro pick on Sarfraz but as shown in above video he also trains hard and has not let the team down with fitness. His shape at this age will not change due to being naturally that form. When team is losing we find faults in every thing, even though this is probably the fittest Pak team ever.

 

[dhump]

They are paid to be fit what else they need to motivate them, in reality, Pakistani players are just lazy and bad at what they do.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Oh boy, how much hate you have for India. Can't digest a thing in which we are good.
One should learn from one another despite natural animosity.

Relax. Indians like Pakistani's do not have a culture of fitness. Any sensible person would want to look to the likes of Australia or South Africa who have a history of fitness not India who only a few years ago played the likes of Ramesh Power.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Shami is unfit? Fitness is not six pack abs brother. He can bowl 50th over of 4th match in a high intensity test series at 90mph(same as his first over).

Im basing this on the way he runs in the outfield. I've also seen him slow his pace down in longer spells as he becomes more stiff. Perhaps he is much fitter now.

 

[Varun]

Relax. Indians like Pakistani's do not have a culture of fitness. Any sensible person would want to look to the likes of Australia or South Africa who have a history of fitness not India who only a few years ago played the likes of Ramesh Power.

If anything, then India are the more perfect example for Pakistan to follow in that case, if both were at a similar base just a few short years ago. Wanting to look up to the fitness routines of the average athlete in an Australia or South Africa is futile in such a scenario.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If anything, then India are the more perfect example for Pakistan to follow in that case, if both were at a similar base just a few short years ago. Wanting to look up to the fitness routines of the average athlete in an Australia or South Africa is futile in such a scenario.

No because even now India is not even in the top 4 of the fittest teams. I would say it would be Aus, SA, Eng, NZ and even possibly Windies ahead. So why look to India when there are others above? Unless you think Indian players are fitter than Aussies and Saffers? Surely not?

 

[Varun]

No because even now India is not even in the top 4 of the fittest teams. I would say it would be Aus, SA, Eng, NZ and even possibly Windies ahead. So why look to India when there are others above? Unless you think Indian players are fitter than Aussies and Saffers? Surely not?

Fair enough if that's your argument. There are no runs or wickets to compile to make a true ranking - so it remains subjective and to each his own.

Whichever way you slice it, Pakistan can take a leaf out of India's fielding / fitness notebook from the last decade to improve their standards. Australia or West Indies (haha?) may be better, but if they are so, they don't have a notebook - it's etched in genetic stone and Pakistan won't be able to 'copy' that.

 

[in_cutter]

Hence my frustration with Mickey Arthur, he justifies fitness as a reason to kick out Mohd Irfan, Umar Akmal, Sohail Khan but turns a blind eye to the transgressions of his blue eyed boys.

Help me understand. You were the same bloke complaining when Waqar came down hard on player fitness- so you have finally realised the importance of fitness?