Ashish Nehra feels lockdown break is a concern for fast bowlers

Fast bowling is a tough job, arguably one of the toughest skills to hone and pursue in cricket. One thing that a pacer craves for his break, but not as long as the one they are being forced to take due to COVID-19 lockdown.

And the ongoing long break is a cause of concern for the fast bowlers feels former India pacer, Ashish Nehra.

Nehra thinks that while the batsmen can maintain their fitness by doing yoga or weight training at home, bowlers need running to stay match fit. “You can do as much of yoga or free weights; fast bowler’s life is nothing without good running time. There’s a lot of difference with batsmen,” said Nehra.

He thinks that the bowlers will have to start running sooner or later.

“Let’s consider a few situations. Even if the lockdown ends on April 15, it will take a lot of time for social life to become normal. If you ask me, I am not expecting any cricketing activity before July 15. So, this is a long break but once action starts, fast bowlers have the biggest challenge to remain fit,” Nehra opined.

"It's not just about heart-rate but also about bowling muscles such as hamstring, glutes, groin, and calf, they remain activated. Giving a choice between swimming, cycling and running, as a cricketer I would say running. Also, a bit of shadow bowling can help in visualization."

Nehra said that if the situation starts getting normal by June, the BCCI or will give at least a month's time to the players to prepare, as one can't suddenly start playing.

Nehra asked the players to be conscious of their diet as well. “Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra can afford to come back with a paunch after the break, not the active players,” he signed off.