I am taking this time to focus on becoming a fitter cricketer: Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay who is currently enjoying his time out of the field has revealed that he is making the best use of this opportunity to make himself a fitter cricketer. Vijay was ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League after sustaining a wrist injury. He underwent a surgery in London last month and is well on his way to regaining full fitness.

It is bound to be frustrating for Vijay to sit out of the IPL given he is not a part of the Indian limited overs set up but he has taken it in his stride and has vowed to be a fitter cricketer. In today’s generation fitness is an integral part of the game and the best example in this regard is none other than Team India captain Virat Kohli. He sets extremely high standards and leads by example.

“It is very sad for me personally not to be part of the IPL this year. But, I am taking this time to focus on becoming a fitter cricketer,” Vijay was quoted as saying by the TOI who was part of the function where IITM-Chemplast Ground was renamed as the KS Narayanan Centre for Cricketing Excellence.

During his break from cricket, Vijay along with KL Rahul who underwent a shoulder injury in London went to watch an English Premier League encounter featuring Manchester United and Everton at the Old Trafford. Though Vijay is keen on participating in the TNCA League matches for Jolly Rovers, he has made it clear that he won’t rush his return.

“I am currently following the rehabilitation program prescribed to me. There will be an assessment next month with my physio, and you should receive a release from the BCCI (on the progress),” said Vijay. Despite not being a part of the Kings XI Punjab squad, Vijay conceded that he is keeping an eye on Punjab. He further said that a couple of more wins from here on will definitely keep them in contention for the playoffs.

“I am following Kings XI Punjab this season. Punjab is definitely in with a chance to go the distance as they have a balanced side. If they win a couple of games from here on, then it will put pressure on the other teams as well. Kolkata Knight Riders are playing a good brand of cricket and I feel this edition is witnessing a lot of high-quality clashes,” Vijay quipped.

Meanwhile, captain, Virat Kohli is going through a lean patch in this season and his franchise RCB has won only 2 out of the 10 matches. Vijay said that Virat has proved his worth over the last year and he should be given time. “Virat has done well for such a long time and he must be given his space, and that’s my personal opinion. Every cricketer goes through hiccups like this. I would say the same thing about MS Dhoni too. These cricketers have contributed so much. You have to give them some leeway,” said Vijay.

During his time off the field, Vijay has also spent some quality time with his son Nivaan and daughter Eva. “I want to be a better father, and this is the best time for me to see my son and daughter grow. I am spending a lot of time with them,” concluded the veteran cricketer.