India Women’s Fitness Revolution: A Path to Success

India Women’s cricketer Fitness

After a devastating loss in the T20 World Cup semi-final, the Indian women’s cricket team is gearing up for an action-packed season. With a series of tours and a couple of world events on the horizon, the team has realized the importance of fitness and fielding in their pursuit of victory. In an effort to improve their performance, the senior women’s selection panel handpicked 30 “targeted players” for an intensive training camp in Bengaluru. This camp focused on implementing the Athlete Monitoring System (AMS) and Injury Prevention (IP) to enhance the players’ fitness levels and mitigate injury risks. Let’s delve into the details of India’s fitness revolution and how it is shaping their approach to the game.

AMS: A Game-Changing Software

The implementation of the Athlete Monitoring System (AMS) marks a significant development in women’s cricket in India. AMS is a software that monitors various factors like fatigue, sleep, mood, menstrual cycle, and non-sport stressors to optimize performance and reduce the chances of injury. By tracking data such as workloads, past injuries, rehab cycles, and performance post-injuries, AMS helps the National Cricket Academy tailor individualized fitness roadmaps for each player. The traditional yo-yo test has been replaced by a range of tests, including the one-mile test, DEXA scan for body-fat percentage, vertical jumps, broad jumps, and endurance routines. These tests enable a comprehensive assessment of the players’ fitness levels and aid in improving their overall performance.

Closing the Gap with Australia

Australia has set the benchmark when it comes to fitness standards in women’s cricket. Jhulan Goswami, the former India captain, acknowledges this and believes that India’s new approach to fitness can help narrow the gap between the two teams. Goswami emphasizes that skills alone are not enough to excel in the game; long-lasting careers and game elevation require a focus on fitness. With the preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup underway, India’s fitness revolution is a step in the right direction.

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Strength and Conditioning Coaches: A Turning Point

One of the key elements of India’s fitness revolution is the introduction of a core group of strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches for the women’s set-up. The appointment of Anand Date as a full-time S&C coach has been a game-changer. Date, with his extensive experience in S&C, including working with Rahul Dravid at the NCA and various men’s India A and age-group squads, has been instrumental in pushing the fitness agenda forward. The inclusion of full-time S&C coaches ensures continuity in monitoring the players’ fitness levels and provides tailored guidance to help them maintain their optimal performance.

The Role of Workload Management and Injury Prevention

In addition to focusing on fitness, the camp also emphasized workload management and injury prevention. The AMS and IP systems help determine a player’s physical state and potential injury risks through a series of tests. By closely monitoring the players’ markers for potential injuries, the coaching staff can adjust their workloads and training routines accordingly. This proactive approach minimizes the chances of injuries and ensures that players can perform at their best without risking their physical well-being.

Balancing Fitness and Skill Development

While fitness was the primary focus of the camp, the players also dedicated time to skill development. They were divided into groups and given specific tasks, participating in match simulations under the guidance of experienced net bowlers and side-arm specialists. The interim head coach of India Women, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, encouraged the players to find their own way of improving their skills, fostering a sense of flexibility and creativity. The practice sessions were intense and aimed at honing the players’ abilities in various aspects of the game.

The Impact of Women’s Premier League (WPL)

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is expected to have a significant impact on the women’s game in India. Unlike the previous season, where teams picked players solely based on raw numbers, the next edition of WPL will provide teams with more preparation time. This will enable them to conduct camps, scout players, and shortlist performers, ultimately raising the level of domestic tournaments. Jhulan Goswami highlights the importance of bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket, and the WPL offers a massive platform for players to showcase their skills and catch the attention of selectors.

Preparatory Tournaments and Exposure

To further enhance the players’ skills and exposure, preparatory tournaments play a crucial role. Currently, a high-performance squad, comprising several age-group players and WPL performers, is participating in the Emerging Nations’ Asia Cup in Hong Kong. These tournaments provide an opportunity to test skills against international teams and gain valuable experience. While these tournaments are beneficial, there is a need for exposure to A sides of top cricketing nations like England and Australia. Expanding the player base and nurturing talent in the 20 to 23 age group is also essential for the long-term growth of Indian women’s cricket

The Determination of Players and the Future Ahead

The Indian women’s cricket team has witnessed a shift in mindset and a renewed motivation to invest in themselves. The success of the WPL has inspired players to join better training centers, focus on nutrition, and seek guidance from top coaches in India. Players like Disha Kasat, who trains extensively in Bengaluru under private coaching and has access to training facilities set up by Rajasthan Royals, have gone the extra mile to improve their skills. The exposure to elite players like Ellyse Perry during the WPL has instilled a sense of belief that they too can reach new heights.

India Women’s fitness revolution is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their determination to compete at the highest level. With the implementation of AMS, the addition of full-time S&C coaches, and a focus on workload management and injury prevention, the team is on the right track to success. The upcoming season, filled with tours and world events, presents an opportunity for India to prove their mettle on the global stage. The future of Indian women’s cricket looks promising, and with the right blend of fitness, skills, and exposure, they are well-positioned to achieve their ultimate goal – winning the coveted trophies.