Why do cricketers play football in practice sessions?

It sounds like a vague idea playing football on the cricket ground. But in the recent times, it has often been seen that the players play this game in their training sessions, especially in the practice session just before the game. While one might argue that the players should be hitting the nets before the match, it is in actually a better idea to play soccer in the warm-up sessions.

Playing the high-adrenaline sport before the match serves as a good entire body warm up that enhances the agility and flexibility on the field. Moreover, the sport helps to build greater camaraderie between the players as each and every player is involved in the game at the same time, depending on one another. It improves game presence and develops the basic instincts of a player. Royal Challengers Bangalore player Shane Watson recently said that football helps in team bonding.

He was quick to admit that the sport is very popular among the players in the franchise. He lauded skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul as two best footballers in the side. He quoted, “Before any practice session the guys just love playing football. Virat is the Ronaldo of the team. (KL) Rahul is very serious about the sport and is good at it too.”

Skipper Virat Kohli too, admits his love for the game. Such is his love that he even carries his soccer shoes in his kit. Kohli terms the football practice as an ideal stress buster before the game.  “Whenever the team is feeling down or we’ve had a hectic travel day and don’t have the energy to do normal warm-up, football gives the extra motivation to run after a ball and show our skills. Basically, it gets the competitive nature out in a big way. Whenever we feel like we have to bond as a team and get our energy going we have a quick game of football and we are ready to go,” quoted Kohli.

More than anything else, truth be told, soccer enhances the fitness levels to a great extent. A short session of the game can burn out the entire body and is the perfect cardio exercise. “When we play for long, we can actually go on for 40-45 minutes that burns you out completely. I’m someone who cannot control myself I keep running back and forth. If you are not someone who likes to run laps around the ground, just play football for 40 minutes,” added Kohli.

Gujarat Lions all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also said that he has started loving soccer since he made it to the national team. “I started playing football as a pre-practice routine when I joined the Indian team in 2009. We enjoy our football before practice. When I get some free time, I try to work on my skills as I love the sport,” quoted Jadeja.

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