IPL 2020: KKR signs former Olympic sprinter Chris Donaldson as strength and conditioning coach

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is less than a month away and all the teams have started their mandatory self-isolation. As cricket is being played after six months, the teams are looking to make sure that their players are fit and match ready. Thus, Kolkata Knight Riders have roped in former Olympic sprinter Chris Donaldson as strength and conditioning coach.

The Kolkata franchise is eyeing to grab its third title this season. The two-time IPL winning team will be looking to break their five-year title drought. The franchise has a balanced squad and the team is led by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. Donaldson represented New Zealand in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, besides playing in the 1998 and 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Donaldson has coached the New Zealand team for eight years

He was part of the 4x100m relay squad that still holds the national record and post-retirement, he coached the New Zealand cricket team for eight years. He is making sure all the KKR players stay in shape by furnishing them with his special “bedroom-workout routine” tips through video calls.

“I can’t ask the players to do what I can’t do, right? So while I can’t do the exercises as well as them, I certainly try to put in an effort,” KKR head coach Brendon McCullum said on their official website on Monday.

“I’ve also heard that the shirts this year – practice shirts and coach’s shirts – are going to be very, very tight. So, I need to make sure that I am not too fat as we get into the season,” the former New Zealand stumper gagged.

Who is #ChrisDonaldson, and why are our #Knights petrified by him? 😂

Tune in today at 5:00 PM IST to find out. 🏋🏽#QuarantinedKnights #ChrisDonaldson #IPL2020 #KKR #KolkataKnightRiders pic.twitter.com/g0hSaVQYkr

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 24, 2020

Baz said he’s enjoying every bit of his training and the players are excited too. UAE is a place that usually gets hot and it makes the bodies tired quite quickly.

“The guys are now getting to know him. There have been some unbelievable workouts he has given every one to do. They are hard, and if you haven’t worked out for a while, you can’t do it. Sore bodies for a couple of days…But it’s amazing and very, very helpful for all the boys at this time of staying indoors.”

KKR bowling coach Kyle Mills shared his thoughts on the new coach.

“You spend a lot of time trying to catch him and you never will. He is an amazing person and he is an absolute professional. I think it’s going to be a big feather in our cap to have him on board.”

The tournament gets underway on September 19. The final will be played on the 10th of November.