Shardul Thakur First Indian Cricketer To Start Outdoor Training
Updated - 24 May 2020, 12:03 AM
Fast bowler Shardul Thakur proved his dedication to hit the 22 yards as he became the first Indian cricketer to start outdoor training after the sport was brought to a half due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Shardul Thakur made full use of the lockdown 4.0 guidelines which re-opened the doors for sports complexes and stadiums across India.
Thakur might not be a regular for India to but he showed his love for the game as he underwent outdoor training at the Palghar Dahanu Taluka Sports Association at Boisar in Mumbai. During the training the right-arm fast bowler was seen bowling to Mumbai U-23 batsman Sairaj Patil and captain Hardik Tamore.
Shardul Thakur: I bowled five overs, was delighted to wear my spikes again
Shardul Thakur proved by his words that he is a genuine lover of the game as he said that he loved wearing the spikes back gearing up to return to training. On the first day of training he followed the fitness regime given by the national team trainer before bowling five overs at the nets. The Palghar-bowler also said that he has managed to maintain his fitness level in the due course of lockdown.
“Since it was the first day of my training after a long time, I bowled only five overs. I enjoyed the delightful feeling of returning to wear my bowling spikes and return to the ground after such a long time. It was like starting afresh. At home, I was following the fitness routine given my our (Team India) trainer, so I’ve managed to maintain my fitness levels. However, it takes time to settle into your bowling rhythm, as the muscles have to open up. Though I’ve to work on finding my line and length, I’m happy with my session today. It will take time, but I should be getting better in the next few days,” Shardul told Times of India.
India pacer Shardul Thakur hits training ground in Boisar (Maharashtra). @imShard
Video courtesy: @ajinkyasnaik @mid_day pic.twitter.com/8qa3lpuqQT— Harit Joshi (@Haritjoshi) May 23, 2020
“I ensured social distancing was in place as we all maintained a few metres distance from each other. I got my own ball for practice, and so did the other net bowlers. Of course, now you can’t spit on the ground or put saliva on the ball,” he said. “Thankfully, cricket is not a contact sport. I can just bowl my deliveries and go back to my run-up, instead of going near the batsman,” he added.
In England, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes have returned to their respective individual training session. The English side are likely to become the first team to resume international matches with the West Indies Test tour in July.
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