Virat Kohli speaks on how GPS trackers help in keeping India players fit

Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Indian cricket team has scaled new heights to ensure that its members are in perfect shape. The yo-yo test has already been a much-discussed issue and now, it is learnt that the team relies heavily on GPS trackers to understand how much workload the players are taking and assess it before future assignments. India captain Virat Kohli said in the run-up to the first semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford on Tuesday that it has helped in the management of the players’ workload and bring out the best out of them.

With the dose of cricket more than ever before and the players needing to be in shape every time they go out to play – either for the country, franchise – tracking fitness has become a vital part of their career progress. And especially with a fitness freak like Kohli at the helm, keeping in shape has become a prime criterion for selection for the national team in his times.

“The GPS trackers that we have been wearing has helped track the workload of the players and that has actually helped the physio and trainer to convince the guys when they must rest as staying fresh for the game is of paramount importance,” Kohli said on the eve of the semi-final.

The Indian squad saved some energy as they did not have to travel to Birmingham to play the semi-final after Australia lost their final league match against South Africa on Saturday. It catapulted India to the No.1 position in the points table and they now will play the semi-final against New Zealand in Manchester, located about 45 miles from Leeds where they played their last game against Sri Lanka. Australia and England will play the other semi-final in Birmingham, which is nearly 120 miles from Leeds.

Kohli further added that the players have been made to travel a lot after matches, it has become all the more important to listen to the body so that they can enhance their fitness during games and not waste energy in training. He also expressed relief that India did not have to travel too much between their final league game and the semi-final which was only three days apart.

Players need to take break from practice

“Well, again, this turnaround was very fast after the last game, a day of travel, today one practice day, so guys, depending on the workloads which is provided by our trainers and physios, we understand which player needs to take a break from practice because having played so many games, you don’t necessarily need to go hit balls again because you have practiced so much and you have played in the middle as well,” Kohli added.

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The Indian team management was in constant touch with all the eight franchises of the Indian Premier League preceding the World Cup so that the players’ workload could be assessed and there was minimal risk of injury.