IND vs AUS: Some Indian Players Are Overweight - Salman Butt Questions Fitness Standards Of Indian Team

Australia has made a good start in the ongoing three T20 series against India by winning the first match at Mohali by four wickets. The Aussies chased down the huge target of 209 runs with 6 wickets and 4 balls to spare. Cameron Green played a crucial innings of 61 runs off 30 balls and Matthew Wade scored 45 runs off 21 balls.

Axar Patel registered his career best figures. The left arm orthodox spinner took 3 wickets for just 17 runs in his quota of 4 overs. Axar dismissed Aaron Finch, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis wickets at crucial moments.

South Africa, Australia And England Have More Fit Players Than India – Salman Butt

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt said that the Indian team’s fitness standards are not good. He feels that other countries like South Africa, Australia and England have more fit players than the current Indian team.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after India’s loss to Australia in the first T20I on Tuesday, Salman Butt commented on the fielding performance of the Men in Blue.

“Indian players are the highest-paid cricketers in the world. They play the maximum number of matches. You tell me why are they not the fittest? If we compare their body structure, teams like South Africa, Australia and England are much better.”

“I would even say some Asian teams are ahead of India. Some Indian players are overweight. I think they need to work on that because they are brilliant cricketers,” Butt said.

Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya And Ravindra Jadeja Set Fitness Standards High – Salman Butt

Butt admitted that some players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja have set the fitness standards high. However, he believes players like KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant can strengthen the Indian team by increasing their fitness and fielding.

“I don’t know if others will talk about this or not, but in my view, Team India’s fitness is not ideal. Some experienced players are not at that level where they should be in terms of fielding. Virat Kohli has set an example for others in fitness. Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya are so fit. They have outstanding fitness, but there are players like Rohit Sharma, even KL Rahul looked lethargic today, you know, Rishabh Pant. If they become fit, they will become more dangerous cricketers,” the 37-year-old added.

Harshal Is A Fast Bowler, But His Strength Is Slower Ball – Salman Butt

Speaking about India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, Butt said the team’s fast bowling department is a major concern. In T20I cricket, he was unhappy with the way Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel used slower deliveries to take wickets.

“You have Siraj, you have Umran Malik. Umesh also bowled better. The bowlers they are banking on, I don’t think they are reliable. Harshal gave away 40. You are a fast bowler, and your strength is a slower one. This is beyond my understanding,” said Butt.

Australia beat India by four wickets in the first game of the three-match T20I series. The Men in Blue will play the Australians in Nagpur for the second game of the series on September 23.

Also read: IND vs AUS: Hardik Pandya Has To Be The Best In The World – Cameron Green