11 Cricketers who are fitness freaks

Cricket is a sport which demands the players to stay fit all round the year because of the exhausting schedule they have to adhere to. Thus, fitness is something which becomes a determining factor in the career of any cricketer as it ensures a cemented pace in the side as well as good performances. Here we talk about the 11 cricketers who sure are the biggest fitness freaks in the world of cricket. 1. Dale Steyn: How's this for a #NarcissismSat… ? Thanx to everyone grafting hard to get me fit and strong again, time to play for that beautiful Golden Protea again! @johnomeintjes @bucfitnessclub ?? A post shared by ? (@dalesteyn) on Dec 18, 2015 at 11:42pm PST To retain the position and reputation of being the fastest bowler in the world is not a cakewalk. Dale Steyn a threat to the batsmen all round the world has maintained his body in good shape by following a rigorous exercise and diet schedule. Just like a devoted disciple, he is religious with his workout and never misses an opportunity to hit the gym. Being a fast bowler, endurance training is something he gives a lot of importance as it helps him to sustain long hours of balling especially in South Africa where the bowling tracks are not completely flat and hence running involves the extra leg workout. He also focuses on developing his muscles during weight training in the gym as it helps him to be agile and quick on the field. 2. Stuart Broad: England’s cricketer Stuart Broad. (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) Stuart Broad regularly performs the yo-yo contest which involves 40m out-and-back sprints between two markers spaced 20m apart and continues at a progressively increasing speed. This helps him to maintain concentration, endurance and speed. He also focuses on jumping movements to give him explosive strength while releasing the ball. Besides he also galvanises his legs by performing hamstring curls and leg presses as it helps him bowl with full strength. 3. Chris Gayle: Just finish a late workout. 11:15pm will just have a apple and some water for dinner. #TrickOrTreat I think trick my belly. #India A post shared by KingGayle ? (@chrisgayle333) on Oct 31, 2015 at 10:58am PDT The Gayle storm has a knack of hitting sixes at any point in the match. Such an endeavour requires talent as well as fitness. Although Chris Gayle might have been blessed with a well-built Jamaican body he sweats a lot in the gym to ensure fitness never is the area he lacks in. He focuses mainly on strength building exercises doing as many as 100 crunches and push-ups while working out. Along with all that the Calypso King famous for his Gangnam dance enjoys dancing which also helps him for the cardio. 4. Shane Watson: Australian cricketer Shane Watson. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images) Shane Watson’s illustrious career had continuously involved injuries and weight issues which bothered him and his fans. But he has now come back as a fitter and better sportsperson by bringing changes in his fitness regimes and dietary habits. A few years ago he had been a victim of a constant back problem and hence to make things better he has regularly started doing the Pilates workout which has helped him to sustain his top form and even solved his back pain. In addition, he also gives a lot of importance on running as he believes that core strength is essential to excel in cricket. 5. AB de Villiers: South African cricketer AB de Villiers. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images) He is terrific batsman, exceptional keeper, wonderful fielder and the best captain South African team has got. Having recently reached the pinnacle of playing 100 Test matches he has come this long by staying fit all the time. As a child he was involved in sports such as rugby, hockey, golf as well as tennis and it naturally made him a stronger as well as a fitter person. To ensure that his fitness level is maintained he takes recourse to the gym and goes for running which helps him in improving endurance. He works out a lot to get better at his stance and back-lifts which helps him to stay injury free. His mantra of being fit and performing better involves staying mentally positive and fresh and he prefers intensive short duration practice sessions instead of long ones. 6. Virat Kohli: (© Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Virat Kohli is a one of the most consistent players India has had at the international level. His secret behind excelling in all the three formats involves an extensive training regime. He always makes it a point to hit the gym at least 5 days a week and pays special attention to cardio and heavy weights. It helps him to keep his muscles in shape. Kohli also plays other games such as football which helps him to maintain focus. Again to ensure that laziness and other illness do not come his way he abstains from smoking and drinking. 7. Kieron Pollard: West Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard. (Photo by Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/GettyImages) He has amazed everyone with his flying catches and exceptional fielding on the field in addition to his hard hits over the boundary. To keep his agility, flexibility and fitness levels high Kieron Pollard ensures that he follows a strict regime for fitness. In addition to hitting the gym, he does shuttles with turning, staggered running and instant changes of directions and his on-field activities rare a testimony to his efforts. Besides if he ever feasts upon KFC or ice –cream he makes it a point to lose the extra calories by doing extra cardio and endurance training the next day. 8. MS Dhoni: (Photo Source: IndiaToday) MS Dhoni is the fastest Indian cricketer between the 22 yards. He manages to do so even after doing 100s of squats behind wickets. The key to his athleticism is his amazing fitness level. Dhoni was an amazing football player in his school days and that has certainly helped him in his on-field agility as well. To ensure that he remains fit he hits the gym on a regular basis. Football is something he still likes to play today to uplift his fitness levels. Dhoni also indulges in playing badminton which keeps his footwork light and improves his hand-eye coordination. 9. Morne Morkel: (Photo Source: Getty Images) Morkel has recently been a jewel for the South African side as he has been the most consistent bowler for them both in South Africa as well as overseas. The lanky pacer credits his fitness to endurance training and hitting the gym on a regular basis along with this he also practices yoga on a regular basis. But recently the secret to his improved performance and toned body has been his changed dietary habits wherein he has included green smoothies in his drinks as well as food. 10. Shikhar Dhawan: Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan stretches . (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images) Shikhar Dhawan apart from his spectacular performances and twirling moustache has also been popular because of his amazing fitness level. The Jat of the Indian team has been continuously performing yoga which improves his body systems and releases stress as well as tension in addition to keeping the body in good shape. Although yoga is something which is a sine qua non of his fitness regime, apart from it, he also indulges in running which helps him to burn the extra calories and keeps his cholesterol under control. He also likes swimming and it keeps his muscle toned. Dhawan also plays tennis and badminton which helps him to improve his hand-eye coordination. 11. Darren Sammy: (Photo Source: Darren Sammy Instagram Account) The West Indies all-rounder who is known for his pinch-hitting cameos and medium pace bowling is also the skipper who led the West Indies to title glory in the ICC World T20 2012. Darren Sammy has the typical Caribbean genes and has a tall and heavy frame, but to improve his on-field performances he has been sweating it out in the gym, following a disciplined regime and has attained the perfect body with a six pack as well. Sammy is probably at the peak of his fitness and with a superb cricketing season ahead, will definitely help him with his game as well.

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11 Cricketers who are fitness freaks

9. Morne Morkel:

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