The Indian cricket team boasts an impressive lineup of incredibly fit players. From Virat Kohli’s chiseled quadriceps to Hardik Pandya’s enviable abs and M. S. Dhoni’s brawny biceps, these athletes have set new standards of fitness in the game.
Batsmen and bowlers follow different workout routines, targeting specific muscle groups. However, they all recognise the importance of compound movements like squats, cleans, and deadlifts, which enhances power and explosiveness, enabling them to deliver peak performances on the cricket field.
Let’s delve into the key exercises favoured by some of India’s fittest cricket players:
#1 The power snatch
Considered his favourite exercise, Virat Kohli swears by the power snatch—a full-body movement that he has perfected over the years. This exercise has played a significant role in maintaining his peak fitness. Kohli’s comprehensive workout routine also includes squats, cardio sessions, one-arm pushups, hanging leg raises, and crunches.
#2 Walking lunges with dumbbells—A cricket staple
One of M. S. Dhoni’s workout staples is the walking lunge, which has contributed to his strength and stamina behind the stumps. Alongside this, Dhoni incorporates other favourite exercises such as V-grip pulldowns, machine rows, and single-leg deadlifts into his fitness regimen.
#3 Hip thrusts for Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal, the Karnataka batsman, has built an impressive physique that reflects his exceptional fitness levels. In various workout videos he has shared on social media, hip thrusts are one of his key exercises. Agarwal’s routine also includes squats, deadlifts, weighted crunches, and front squats.
#4 Leg presses and jump squats
K. L. Rahul recently showcased his lower-body strength and muscle-building prowess on his Instagram handle by sharing a picture of him performing leg presses. The cricket player revealed one of the best exercises to build strength. Another prominent exercise in Rahul’s routine is jump squats, which help him maintain endurance and explosiveness on the field.
#5 Cardio—A cricket player’s vital ally
For cricket players, cardiovascular conditioning is crucial, serving as the foundation for stamina and endurance required to withstand the rigours of the game. Many successful cricketers attribute their achievements to top-level conditioning.
Cardio exercises include treadmill workouts, battle rope sessions, cycling, and sprints, all of which contribute to speed and agility on the field. Hardik Pandya’s cardio workouts serve as a prime example of his exceptional fitness level.
With such a dedicated focus on fitness and a diverse range of exercises, it’s no wonder that India’s cricket stars consistently excel on the field, showcasing both their skills and physical prowess.